New Jersey Assembly Bill A1793

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Creates financial rewards program in DOE for districts with high academic performance and low per pupil expenditures.

Impact

If enacted, A1793 would significantly influence the funding dynamics of school districts across New Jersey, potentially encouraging a competitive atmosphere among districts to not only improve academic outcomes but also to manage their budgets more effectively. The proposed financial incentive of $250 per enrolled student could help districts further invest in resources that promote student success. This could lead to enhanced educational outcomes in many districts, especially those that have traditionally struggled with lower funding.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1793 proposes the establishment of the Academic Achievement and Efficiency Rewards Program under the New Jersey Department of Education. This program aims to financially reward K-12 school districts that demonstrate high academic performance while maintaining low per pupil expenditures. Specifically, districts that have at least 60% of their students scoring in the 'approaching expectations,' 'meeting expectations,' or 'exceeding expectations' ranges in state assessments, alongside being among the lowest 25% in per pupil spending, would qualify for this reward.

Contention

Discussion surrounding A1793 may bring forth concerns about the implications of linking funding to performance metrics. Critics might argue that this approach could exacerbate inequalities, as districts in affluent areas may have more resources to ensure higher scores, while underfunded districts could struggle to meet the criteria despite the potential for improvement. Additionally, the emphasis on standardized testing may also fuel debates about educational values and priorities, with some stakeholders advocating for a broader evaluation of educational success beyond test scores.