New Jersey Assembly Bill AR120

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/22
• Refer: 3/10/22

Caption

Urges DOE to require that school districts maintain tradition of snow days.

Impact

The enactment of AR120 would reinforce the idea of preserving snow days as a necessary respite for students. It seeks to halt the trend of replacing these days with remote learning, which became a staple during the pandemic. The bill provides a significant perspective on how educational policies should adapt post-pandemic, returning to conventional structures that prioritize student well-being and family logistics over educational continuity during bad weather.

Summary

Assembly Resolution No. 120 (AR120) urges the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) to ensure that school districts maintain the traditional practice of snow days instead of requiring remote instruction when schools are closed due to inclement weather. This legislation emerged in the context of changing educational practices following the COVID-19 pandemic, where many schools shifted to remote learning during closures. The resolution highlights the importance of snow days as a cherished tradition and a break for students amidst their academic responsibilities.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding AR120 involves balancing the educational needs and flexibility required during adverse weather conditions with the established traditions that foster student joy and childhood experiences. Supporters of the bill argue that requiring remote instruction could diminish the significance of snow days, whereas opponents may favor maintaining continuity in education even during closures. This highlights an ongoing debate in educational policy regarding adaptability versus tradition in teaching approaches.