Bill > S2644

This bill mandates that the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) establish a "Working Group on Student Literacy" composed of various experts, including parents, literacy specialists, and those with experience in special education and multilingual learners, to provide recommendations on evidence-based literacy strategies, screening tools, and instructional materials. Following the working group's recommendations, the DOE will develop and publish guidance for school districts on acceptable universal literacy screening instruments, high-quality instructional materials, screening frequency, and data analysis strategies, which must be implemented starting in the 2025-2026 school year. School districts will be required to conduct universal literacy screenings, a process to identify students at risk of reading difficulties, at least twice annually for all kindergarten through third-grade students, and provide necessary supports based on the results, notifying parents of their child's screening outcomes. Additionally, the DOE will create an online resource center for literacy materials and establish a no-cost professional development program for school staff and administrators on foundational literacy instruction, with school districts required to utilize this program or equivalent training starting July 1, 2025.