Bill

Bill > A1716


NJ A1716

NJ A1716
Eliminates high school graduation proficiency test.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill eliminates the high school graduation proficiency test, which is required under current law to be taken in the 11th grade. The bill prohibits the State Board of Education from including in the standards for graduation from high school a requirement that students achieve satisfactory performance on the Statewide graduation proficiency test. The bill also amends current law to remove various references to the graduation proficiency test, including: the requirement that a Statewide proficiency test be included in the State or district standards for graduation from high school; the requirement that an out-of-school youth or adult age 18 or older pass the graduation proficiency test before being granted a State endorsed diploma; the requirement that school district report cards include information regarding the results of the graduation proficiency test; and the requirement that renaissance school projects be evaluated based on students' performance on the graduation proficiency test. The bill clarifies that a student participating in the State Seal of Biliteracy program would not be required to take a State graduation proficiency test as a condition of graduation from high school. Finally, the bill repeals the section of law that requires the State to administer a graduation proficiency test to all 11th grade students and certain 12th grade students, and repeals the section of law that requires the Commissioner of Education to consult with educators, parents, students, business and community representatives, and members of minority groups while developing the graduation proficiency test. The bill also repeals sections of law requiring the commissioner and the Joint Committee on the Public Schools to review and report on performance on the graduation proficiency test.

AI Summary

This bill eliminates the Statewide graduation proficiency test, which was previously a requirement for high school graduation and typically taken in the 11th grade. The State Board of Education will no longer be allowed to mandate satisfactory performance on this test as a graduation requirement. The bill also removes references to this test from various laws, including requirements for its inclusion in graduation standards, its use for out-of-school youth or adults seeking a diploma, its reporting on school district report cards, and its role in evaluating renaissance school projects. Additionally, students participating in the State Seal of Biliteracy program will not be required to take this test for graduation, and the sections of law mandating the test's administration and its development process, including consultation with educators and community members, are repealed.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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