New Jersey Assembly Bill A1870

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Requires county colleges to develop plan to achieve three-year graduation rate of at least 33 percent for full-time degree-program students by 2021-2022 academic year.

Impact

The bill aims to raise graduation rates at county colleges within New Jersey, impacting state laws related to higher education accountability. By emphasizing graduation metrics, the bill seeks to improve the overall educational performance of county colleges and streamline their operations. Furthermore, the requirement for state-level plan approval by the Secretary of Higher Education adds a layer of oversight that may drive colleges to align more closely with state educational goals.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1870 is a legislative proposal in New Jersey that mandates each board of trustees of county colleges to create a comprehensive plan aimed at achieving a minimum three-year graduation rate of 33 percent for full-time students enrolled in associate degree programs. The deadline for this plan is set for the 2021-2022 academic year. A significant element of the plan is that it will also take into consideration the number of students who transfer to four-year institutions prior to completing their courses at county colleges, making it inclusive of various educational pathways for students.

Contention

A point of contention surrounding A1870 is the mechanism for achieving the targeted graduation rates. Critics may argue that mandating specific rates might lead to a focus on metrics at the expense of educational quality or student well-being. Furthermore, the requirement for the formation of a study committee comprising board members, faculty, and students to advise on the plan presents an opportunity for diverse perspectives, yet may also lead to debates over representation and authority in decision-making processes among stakeholders. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the proposed plan will hinge on its implementation and the ability of county colleges to address challenges unique to their student populations.