New Jersey Senate Bill S3569

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23

Caption

Establishes matching grant program in DOE for school districts to implement high-impact tutoring programs addressing learning loss due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact

The bill mandates that to qualify for a grant, each school district must submit a comprehensive plan to the Commissioner of Education. This plan must detail the structure and components of the proposed tutoring program, including grouping students in small cohorts, maintaining consistency in tutors throughout the academic year, and ensuring that tutoring sessions take place during school hours to complement regular instruction. Additionally, the requirement for high-quality, trained tutors and alignment with academic standards serves to enhance the educational experience and outcomes for participating students. This framework aims to ensure effective utilization of the resources allocated through the grants.

Summary

Senate Bill S3569 establishes the High-Impact Tutoring Matching Grant Program within the New Jersey Department of Education. The primary objective of this bill is to provide matching grants to school districts for the development and implementation of research-based high-impact tutoring programs aimed at addressing student learning loss or unfinished learning, specifically those challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. By creating this program, the state acknowledges the significant educational gaps that have emerged due to the pandemic and seeks to facilitate interventions that can help students recover academically.

Contention

Though the bill is designed to provide essential support to students facing educational setbacks, it may raise questions concerning the equitable distribution of funds among varying school districts. For instance, larger districts may have more resources or established systems to leverage these grants more effectively compared to smaller, underfunded districts. Furthermore, the requirement for a 25% match from the school districts could be a point of contention, as some may struggle to meet this stipulation, potentially limiting the accessibility of the grant program. These considerations highlight the need for ongoing evaluation and adjustments to the program to ensure it meets the diverse needs of all districts across New Jersey.