New Jersey Assembly Bill A4266

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/16/22
• Refer: 6/16/22

Caption

Establishes requirements concerning methods for determining whether child has specific learning disability under federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Impact

The enactment of bill A4266 is expected to have significant ramifications on state education laws by revising existing frameworks on how students are assessed for learning disabilities. It allows for the adoption of research-backed methodologies, focusing on a child's response to interventions instead of solely relying on intellectual assessments. By facilitating this shift, the bill encourages educational institutions to apply more effective methods that are better aligned with current educational psychology and learning theories.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4266 introduces alterations to the criteria used in New Jersey for identifying children with specific learning disabilities (SLD). The bill is aligned with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and aims to modernize state requirements to ensure an inclusive approach to education. Under A4266, the use of a severe discrepancy between intellectual ability and achievement, which has historically been a contentious measure, is strictly prohibited effective July 1, 2023. This change reflects a growing consensus among experts that reliance on such discrepancies can lead to misidentification and inadequate support for students who need it.

Contention

Despite its supportive framework, the bill has not been without its points of contention. Critics of the traditional severe discrepancy model argue that it perpetuates a cycle of underidentification for many students who fail to meet the narrow criteria. However, opponents may still express concerns regarding how effectively alternative research-based procedures can be implemented across various school districts. The ongoing dialogue in legislative and educational circles indicates a divided view on the adequacy of proposed methods and their practical implications for students and educators alike.