Bill Text: NJ SR109 | 2024-2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Establishes Senate Task Force on Legislative Curriculum Mandates.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced) 2024-09-19 - Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee [SR109 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2024-SR109-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Senator KRISTIN M. CORRADO
District 40 (Bergen, Essex and Passaic)
SYNOPSIS
Establishes Senate Task Force on Legislative Curriculum Mandates.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
A Senate Resolution establishing the Senate Task Force on Legislative Curriculum Mandates.
whereas, The New Jersey Department of Education has developed core curriculum content standards designed to describe what students should learn as a result of receiving a thorough and efficient education; and
whereas, In recent years, various statutory and regulatory curriculum mandates have been enacted, impacting educational programs and their delivery within the State; and
whereas, It is essential to periodically review these mandates to ensure they align with current educational goals, do not impose unnecessary burdens, and effectively serve the best interests of New Jersey's students; and
whereas, The Senate recognizes the need to conduct a comprehensive review of all existing legislative curriculum mandates to evaluate their educational, financial, and administrative implications; and
whereas, Feedback from educators, school administrators, parents, and students is vital to understanding the real-world impact of these mandates on school districts and classroom experiences; and
whereas, A task force dedicated to assessing these mandates will provide a platform for transparent discussions, policy improvements, and recommendations that align with the State's vision for equitable and quality education for all students; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of New Jersey:
1. There is hereby established the Senate Task Force on Legislative Curriculum Mandates. The purpose of the task force shall be to review all existing statutory requirements for curriculum for grades kindergarten through 12 and make recommendations.
b. The task force shall consist of eight members appointed by the President of the Senate as follows:
(1) two members of the Senate, who shall not be of the same political party and who shall serve as co-chairpersons; and
(2) six individuals with expertise in education policy, curriculum development, and school administration, who shall be selected to ensure representation from a diverse range of educational perspectives, including public, private, and charter school sectors.
c. The task force may meet and hold hearings at the places it designates during the sessions or recesses of the Legislature. It shall be entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of officials and employees of any State, county, or municipal department, board, bureau, commission, or agency as it may require.
2. The task force shall:
a. review all existing legislative curriculum mandates currently in effect in the State;
b. evaluate the educational impact, effectiveness, and financial implications of these mandates on public schools and other educational institutions;
c. consider potential revisions, repeals, or consolidations of these mandates to better align with contemporary educational needs and goals; and
d. consult with educators, administrators, parents, students, and other stakeholders to gather comprehensive input on the impact of these mandates.
3. The task force shall issue a report to the President of the Senate and the Senate no later than one year following the adoption of this resolution, containing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the task force concerning the review and potential revisions of existing legislative curriculum mandates.
4. This Senate resolution shall take effect upon its adoption by this House.
STATEMENT
This resolution establishes the Senate Task Force on Legislative Curriculum Mandates. The task force will be composed of members of the Senate and education policy experts. It is charged with reviewing all existing legislative curriculum mandates to evaluate their educational, financial, and administrative impact and provide recommendations for any necessary changes. The task force will issue its final report to the Senate no later than one year following the adoption of the resolution.
