New Jersey Assembly Bill A270

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes pilot program in DOE to provide assistive technology to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia and related conditions.

Impact

The proposed legislation seeks to bridge the educational gap faced by students with dyslexia, who often struggle with word recognition, spelling, and decoding abilities. By supplying resources tailored to these challenges, the bill aims to improve reading competencies and overall academic performance in students who might otherwise lag behind their peers. The technology and training provided through this pilot program is expected to bolster students' confidence, foster independence, and enhance their educational experiences.

Summary

Assembly Bill A270 establishes a three-year assistive technology pilot program within the New Jersey Department of Education aimed at supporting elementary and middle school students diagnosed with dyslexia and related conditions. By incorporating assistive technology tools, the program is designed to deliver educational content in formats that are more accessible, such as auditory or text-to-speech options, and to facilitate written assignments for these students. Each participating school district will receive grants to fund both the procurement of this technology and the training of teachers in its use.

Contention

While the bill generally receives support for its potential benefits, discussions may arise around the equitable distribution of resources and the adequacy of the pilot program's funding. Stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of assistive technology versus traditional teaching methods, as well as the assumptions underlying the selection of school districts for participation. Furthermore, the long-term feasibility of scaling this program statewide, based on pilot results, could lead to differing opinions among legislators, educators, and parents.