Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman PAMELA R. LAMPITT
District 6 (Burlington and Camden)
Assemblywoman BRITNEE N. TIMBERLAKE
District 34 (Essex and Passaic)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Giblin
SYNOPSIS
Directs DOE to conduct study on feasibility of using and expanding virtual learning in school districts with teacher shortages.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning virtual learning in certain school districts.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. The Department of Education shall conduct a study on the feasibility of using and expanding virtual learning in school districts designated as having a shortage of teachers as determined by the department.
b. In conducting the study, the department shall, at a minimum:
(1) conduct an analysis by subject area of the capability of school districts with teacher shortages to use and expand virtual learning;
(2) include an overview of the courses and programs offered by existing virtual learning centers and other providers;
(3) evaluate the methods by which school districts in the State and in other states have implemented virtual learning;
(4) assess the effectiveness of virtual learning in school districts in the State and in other states that have implemented virtual learning;
(5) consider the potential effects of using and expanding virtual learning on student outcomes; and
(6) analyze the potential costs and savings to school districts in implementing virtual learning.
c. Within six months of the effective date of this act, the Commissioner of Education shall prepare and submit a written report of the study’s findings to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This bill directs the Department of Education to conduct a study on the feasibility of using and expanding virtual learning in school districts designated as having a shortage of teachers. Generally, virtual learning is a program of instruction provided to students through the use of technology, such as the Internet, computer software, or interactive real-time telecommunication.
In conducting the study, the department will, at a minimum: conduct an analysis by subject area of the capability of school districts with teacher shortages to use and expand virtual learning; include an overview of the courses and programs offered by existing virtual learning centers and other providers; evaluate the methods by which school districts in the State and in other states have implemented virtual learning; assess the effectiveness of virtual learning in school districts in the State and in other states that have implemented virtual learning; consider the potential effects of using and expanding virtual learning on student outcomes; and analyze the potential costs and savings to school districts implementing virtual learning.