New Jersey Senate Bill S1559

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes three-year pilot program in DOE to support school district programs to increase length of school day or school year.

Impact

If enacted, the bill is intended to help mitigate the educational impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by allowing districts to extend learning time, which could ultimately improve academic outcomes for students. It provides a structured approach to extending instructional time while also facilitating equity in educational opportunities for students in need. The Commissioner of Education is responsible for reviewing applications and awarding funds competitively, ensuring that resources are allocated to those areas with the most pressing needs.

Summary

Senate Bill S1559 establishes a three-year pilot program under the New Jersey Department of Education aimed at supporting school districts that wish to increase the length of the school day or the school year. The program will prioritize districts demonstrating high levels of academic need, as evidenced by statewide assessment results, graduation rates, and dropout rates. Up to 20 districts from across New Jersey will be selected to participate, with an allocation of up to $1 million in funding annually for each district to cover costs associated with the extended learning initiatives.

Contention

The implementation of S1559 may lead to debates surrounding the availability of funding and whether extended school days or years can effectively address learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic. Critics may question if simply extending time will enhance educational quality, or if a more comprehensive approach is needed to boost student engagement and performance. Furthermore, logistical concerns such as increased transportation costs and staffing could also spark discussions about the long-term sustainability of such a program.

Additional_info

Selected districts will need to report back on attendance and participation, ensuring accountability and providing data for evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot program. The bill mandates that a thorough assessment of the program's outcomes will be delivered to the Governor and Legislature, which will inform future educational funding and policy decisions.