Bill > S3982

This bill requires public schools to provide parents of special education students with a written statement at least two business days before their child's annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting. The statement must include the student's current academic and functional performance levels, a list of IEP team members seeking excusal from the meeting (along with their input), and an invitation for parents to provide feedback on proposed programs and services. Additionally, the bill establishes an IEP Improvement Working Group within the New Jersey Department of Education, composed of 22-25 members representing various educational roles and perspectives, including teachers, principals, special education directors, school board members, parents, disability experts, and child study team professionals. The working group's primary task is to examine and make recommendations for improving the IEP development and implementation process, including studying practices in other states, analyzing differences between school districts, reviewing best practices, and identifying potential legislative or regulatory improvements. The working group is required to issue a comprehensive report with recommendations within four months of organizing. The bill will take effect immediately, with the new IEP meeting notification requirements applying to the first school year following enactment.

Education, Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S3982