New Jersey Assembly Bill A331

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

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

To qualify for the grant, school districts must submit detailed plans that outline specific elements of their tutoring programs, including group sizes, frequency, and intended instructional methods. Each program must provide education in groups of four or fewer students, be led by a consistent tutor throughout the school year, and take place during the school day. Furthermore, programs are expected to employ high-quality instructional materials and metrics to assess student progress. Each grant received will require a 25% matching contribution from the district, promoting financial accountability and commitment to the program's success.

Summary

Assembly Bill A331 establishes the High-Impact Tutoring Matching Grant Program within the New Jersey Department of Education. This program is aimed at mitigating learning loss that occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing grants to school districts for implementing effective tutoring programs. The primary focus is on delivering targeted educational support to students who have experienced unfinished learning during this crisis.

Contention

The bill underscores a robust regulatory framework by requiring school districts to detail their application processes, including how they will identify participating students and the expected outcomes of the tutoring programs. While proponents of the bill may argue it provides essential support for post-pandemic recovery in education, there are potential concerns regarding accountability and the adequacy of the required matching funds from school districts. As a result, discussions around those aspects may lead to points of contention as the bill proceeds through legislative consideration.