New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5378

Introduced
5/8/23  
Refer
5/8/23  

Caption

Requires Commissioner of Education to establish matching grant program for certain school districts and schools using federal funds to increase instructional time and accelerate learning.

Impact

The bill allocates up to $200 million for the grant program, providing schools with matching funds equivalent to 50% of the amount they intend to employ for interventions dedicated to increasing student learning time. This financial support is expected to facilitate programs such as extended learning hours, summer academies, tutoring services, and hiring additional staff. This approach aims to remedy the educational setbacks caused by the pandemic by focusing on both academic recovery and holistic student support.

Summary

A5378 is a bill introduced in New Jersey that mandates the Commissioner of Education to establish a matching grant program aimed at school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects. The program is designed to leverage federal funds to enhance instructional time and accelerate learning, specifically targeting educational losses experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools are eligible to apply for these grants if they demonstrate a significant increase in the percentage of students failing to meet academic expectations based on state assessments compared to the 2018-2019 academic year. The bill emphasizes evidence-based interventions that address diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of students.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its proactive stance on educational recovery, there may be contention around the proposed eligibility criteria for schools seeking funds. Critics could argue that the bill necessitates proof of increased learning deficits against a baseline from before the pandemic, which could create barriers for some schools attempting to access these much-needed resources. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding how effectively the allocated funds will be monitored and evaluated regarding their impact on student outcomes and overall educational equity.

Companion Bills

NJ S4027

Same As Requires Commissioner of Education to establish matching grant program for certain school districts and schools using federal funds to increase instructional time and accelerate learning.

Previously Filed As

NJ A3870

Requires Commissioner of Education to establish matching grant program for certain school districts and schools using federal funds to increase instructional time and accelerate learning.

NJ S2607

Requires Commissioner of Education to establish matching grant program for certain school districts and schools using federal funds to increase instructional time and accelerate learning.

NJ S2591

Establishes High Efficiency Accelerated Learning Grant Program.

NJ A822

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

NJ A4287

Establishes Safe Remote Learning Program in DOE to support provision of remote instruction facilities by public schools.

NJ S2686

Establishes Safe Remote Learning Program in DOE to support provision of remote instruction facilities by public schools.

NJ A2066

Establishes "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" in Department of Education.

NJ A3867

Requires certain public schools that receive State aid to begin regular instruction for high school students no earlier than 8:30 A.M.

WI SB770

Farm to fork grants, farm to school grants, matching funds for the federal farm to school program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB804

Farm to fork grants, farm to school grants, matching funds for the federal farm to school program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

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