New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S1563

Introduced
2/14/22  

Caption

Requires Commissioner of Education to prepare report on learning loss of students with developmental disabilities during COVID-19 public health emergency.

Impact

The implications of this bill are significant as it calls for an examination of the educational challenges faced by students with developmental disabilities—a population that often requires specialized instructional strategies and support. The findings from this study are expected to provide valuable insights that may influence future educational policies and the allocation of resources to better support these students in their learning environments. By documenting the extent of learning loss, the state can begin to address the gaps created during the public health crisis.

Summary

Senate Bill S1563 requires the Commissioner of Education to conduct a thorough study regarding the learning losses sustained by students with developmental disabilities during the COVID-19 public health emergency. This initiative focuses on evaluating the impact of increased reliance on virtual instruction and related programs on the academic outcomes of these students. The study will involve a detailed comparison of students' current skill levels to those prior to the pandemic, aiming to identify specific areas of regression.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its intent to better understand and address learning loss in a vulnerable group, there may be points of contention among stakeholders. Educators and parents might have diverging views on the effectiveness of virtual instruction versus traditional classroom settings. Additionally, there could be concerns regarding the timeliness and accuracy of the data collected during the study, especially considering the variability in experiences among students with developmental disabilities. The requirement to present the findings within a specific timeframe may also raise questions about the thoroughness of the investigation.

Companion Bills

NJ A4021

Same As Requires Commissioner of Education to prepare report on learning loss of students with developmental disabilities during COVID-19 public health emergency.

Previously Filed As

NJ S3293

Requires Commissioner of Education to prepare report on learning loss of students with developmental disabilities during COVID-19 public health emergency.

NJ A116

Requires Commissioner of Education to prepare report on learning loss of students with developmental disabilities during COVID-19 public health emergency.

NJ S1967

Establishes "COVID-19 Learning Loss Study Commission."

NJ A352

Establishes "COVID-19 Learning Loss Study Commission."

NJ A1778

Exempts certain students with disabilities from requirement to take college credits during Bridge Year Pilot Program; modifies age eligibility criteria under program.

NJ SB1489

Students; directing compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; requiring publication of certain information. Effective date. Emergency.

NJ A4874

Requires certain school districts and Commissioner of Education to submit reports on social and emotional learning.

NJ A132

Requires school bus personnel members working with students with disabilities to call 911 emergency line in potential life-threatening emergencies; requires school buses transporting students with disabilities to be equipped with certain safety features.

NJ S131

Extends pension eligibility for survivors of certain emergency services volunteers who contracted COVID-19 during 2020 public health emergency declared by Governor.

NJ A354

Establishes commission to study mental health impact of COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 students.

Similar Bills

DE SCR39

Recognizing The Month Of March 2025 As Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month In The State Of Delaware.

CA AB1925

State permanent disability certification program: feasibility study.

HI SB850

Relating To Disability Health Disparity.

LA HB1092

Renames the office of citizens with developmental disabilities within the Louisiana Department of Health

CA AB2734

Vehicles: special interest license plates.

HI HB819

Relating To Disability Health Disparity.

HI HB819

Relating To Disability Health Disparity.

AZ HB2810

Developmental disabilities; Prader-Willi syndrome