Bill > S1639

Introduced Session

This bill directs the Commissioner of Education to establish a three-year project-based learning pilot program. The purpose of the program will be to introduce students in grades nine through 12 to project-based learning through project-based course offerings. As defined in the bill, project-based learning means a teaching method that offers students the opportunity for active engagement through the design, development, and implementation of real-world projects. Under the bill, a school district with students in grades nine through 12 that wants to participate in the pilot program will submit an application to the commissioner. The application will include: a description of the school district's proposal for creating and implementing a project-based learning course; the estimated number of students who will be eligible to participate in the course; and any other information as prescribed by the commissioner. Also under the bill, the commissioner will select up to six school districts for participation in the pilot program. The commissioner will select two districts in each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the State, and will seek a cross section of school districts from urban, suburban, and rural areas of the State. At the conclusion of the pilot program, the commissioner will submit a report to the Governor, and to the Legislature. The report will contain information on the implementation of the pilot program, as well as the commissioner's recommendation on the advisability of continuing or expanding the program.

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Andrew Zwicker (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document