summary
Introduced
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
In Committee
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires parents or guardians who intend to home school their child to submit annually a letter to the superintendent of the school district in which the child resides, registering the child in a home education program. The letter is to include the name and age of the student participating in the home education program and the name of the supervisor of the home education program responsible for providing instruction. In addition to the letter, the parent is to also submit a copy of the curriculum that will be used. The curriculum is required to be aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. In order to ensure the academic progress of students in home education programs, the supervisor of a home education program is required to maintain a student portfolio of records and materials, including a record that lists reading materials used, samples of writings, worksheets, workbooks, or creative materials used or developed by the student. The portfolio is also to include an annual written evaluation of the student's educational progress as determined by a qualified evaluator. The evaluation is to certify whether an appropriate education is occurring in the home education program. The portfolio is to be annually submitted to the superintendent on or before June 30th of each school year. Finally, the bill authorizes the superintendent of the resident school district to approve a State-endorsed diploma for a student in a home education program who: has met the requirements of this bill; and has documented the attainment of academic skills and knowledge equivalent to a high school education.
AI Summary
This bill requires parents or guardians who choose to home school their children to register with their local school district superintendent annually, providing key details about the home education program. By August 1st or within 14 days of starting the program, parents must submit a letter with the student's name and age, as well as the name of the program's supervisor, and a curriculum that aligns with New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The home education program supervisor must maintain a comprehensive student portfolio documenting educational progress, including reading materials, writing samples, worksheets, and creative materials. Additionally, the portfolio must include an annual written evaluation conducted by a qualified, independent evaluator such as a licensed psychologist, certified school psychologist, or school administrator who is not the student's parent. This evaluation will certify whether an appropriate education is occurring. The portfolio must be submitted to the school district superintendent by June 30th each year, and students who successfully meet the program's requirements can receive a State-endorsed diploma demonstrating academic achievement equivalent to a high school education. The bill will take effect in the first full school year following its enactment.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 06/16/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5825 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A6000/5825_I1.HTM |
Loading...