Revises provisions related to selling and reselling of tickets.
Impact
The introduction of S347 is intended to broaden the accessibility of graduation qualifications for high school students. By allowing students to use the ASVAB as an alternative assessment tool, it aims to provide greater flexibility in meeting state educational standards. This change could particularly benefit students who may not excel in traditional testing formats, offering them a pathway to graduation that aligns with their skills and interests, particularly for those considering a military career.
Summary
Senate Bill S347 seeks to reinstate the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery - Armed Forces Qualifying Test (ASVAB-AFQT) as an alternative means for students to meet high school graduation proficiency requirements in New Jersey. This bill comes in response to a recent decision by the State Board of Education that removed the ASVAB from the list of acceptable substitute assessments for high school graduation, which had raised concerns among educators and parents about student options for demonstrating proficiency.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding S347 appears supportive among various stakeholders, including educators and military advocates who believe that providing alternative assessments can better cater to diverse student needs. However, there is also a cautious approach from some education policy experts who stress the importance of maintaining rigorous standards for graduation, urging a thorough consideration of the ASVAB's effectiveness in assessing student proficiency.
Contention
Notable points of contention include debates over the appropriateness of the ASVAB as a valid measure of academic achievement. Critics may question whether a military test aligns with academic standards or if it might inadvertently funnel students towards military careers rather than providing a comprehensive assessment of a student's readiness for higher education. This bill raises essential questions regarding educational equity and the need for varied assessment methods in a modern educational landscape.
Requires Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery-Armed Forces Qualifying Test to be offered as alternative assessment for high school graduation proficiency test requirement.
Requires Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery-Armed Forces Qualifying Test to be offered as alternative assessment for high school graduation proficiency test requirement.
An Act to amend and reenact ยง 22.1-253.13:4 of the Code of Virginia, relating to high school graduation requirements; history and social studies credits; certain substitutions permitted.
Cover Outstanding Vulnerable Expansion-eligible Residents Now Act or the COVER Now Act This bill establishes a demonstration program to allow local governments to provide health benefits to the Medicaid expansion population in states that have not expanded Medicaid. Under the program, local governments may provide coverage for individuals who are newly eligible for Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (i.e., the Medicaid expansion population) for a maximum of 10 years, or until their respective states expand Medicaid. The bill provides a 100% federal matching rate for the first three years of program participation. The bill prohibits states from taking certain actions against participating localities, such as withholding funding, increasing taxes, or restricting provider participation. States that violate these requirements are subject to certain funding penalties.