S 2773

Requires DOE to select three vendors for diagnostic tools to measure certain benchmarks in students; requires school districts to use selected tools; and requires DOE to provide federal funds to districts for procuring these tools

 S2773 (Ruiz) Although we appreciate the intent of this legislation to address the needs of students both academically as well as socially and emotionally during the COVID pandemic, NJEA cannot support S2773 as written.  Educators continually assess their students’ academic progress and social-emotional well-being as part of the daily process of education.  Many school districts already have programs in place that include diagnostic tools and formative assessments which are included in their instruction.

We must recognize that students will be learning in varying environments throughout the school year, whether in-person, remote or a hybrid form, which may make implementation of such diagnostic assessments difficult.  Instead, we should leave it up to districts to choose which tools to utilize. As we move forward, it is essential that educators, school leaders and parents work together to improve the academic and mental well-being of students through locally determined measures.

NJEA urges you to OPPOSE S  2773.