Requires Commissioner of Education to establish matching grant program for certain school districts and schools using federal funds to increase instructional time and accelerate learning.
The bill allocates up to $200 million for the grant program, providing schools with matching funds equivalent to 50% of the amount they intend to employ for interventions dedicated to increasing student learning time. This financial support is expected to facilitate programs such as extended learning hours, summer academies, tutoring services, and hiring additional staff. This approach aims to remedy the educational setbacks caused by the pandemic by focusing on both academic recovery and holistic student support.
A5378 is a bill introduced in New Jersey that mandates the Commissioner of Education to establish a matching grant program aimed at school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects. The program is designed to leverage federal funds to enhance instructional time and accelerate learning, specifically targeting educational losses experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools are eligible to apply for these grants if they demonstrate a significant increase in the percentage of students failing to meet academic expectations based on state assessments compared to the 2018-2019 academic year. The bill emphasizes evidence-based interventions that address diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of students.
While the bill has garnered support for its proactive stance on educational recovery, there may be contention around the proposed eligibility criteria for schools seeking funds. Critics could argue that the bill necessitates proof of increased learning deficits against a baseline from before the pandemic, which could create barriers for some schools attempting to access these much-needed resources. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding how effectively the allocated funds will be monitored and evaluated regarding their impact on student outcomes and overall educational equity.