New Jersey Senate Bill S724

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22
• Report Pass: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Directs Commissioner of Education to establish three-year pilot program to increase reading levels of certain students; appropriates $1 million.

Impact

The pilot program will involve selected school districts from various regions of New Jersey, including urban, suburban, and rural areas. The Commissioner will consult with experts to determine assessment tools for evaluating student reading levels and will oversee the application process for school districts wishing to participate. By selecting a representative sample of districts, the program aims to assess the strategies' effectiveness across varying educational contexts. Upon completion of the pilot, a report will be submitted to the Governor and Legislature to evaluate the program's success and explore the feasibility of statewide implementation.

Summary

Senate Bill 724, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, aims to address reading deficiencies in elementary students by establishing a three-year pilot program under the guidance of the Commissioner of Education. This program specifically targets students who are not reading at grade level by the end of the second grade, providing them with summer school instruction to ensure they achieve the necessary literacy skills before advancing to third grade. The bill allocates $1 million from the General Fund to support its implementation, highlighting the state’s commitment to improving educational outcomes for young learners.

Contention

Some discussions around the bill may center on concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and resources for the pilot program. Critics may question whether the $1 million appropriation is sufficient to address the extensive reading needs of all eligible students across the selected districts. Additionally, there could be debates about the appropriateness of a summer school model for improving literacy versus other educational interventions. These points of contention highlight the ongoing challenges in educational policy related to funding, effectiveness, and equitable access to high-quality instruction.