New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2190

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Revises certain requirements concerning graduation proficiency test and eliminates requirement that graduation proficiency test be administered to eleventh grade students.

Impact

One of the important aspects of this bill is the introduction of a grandfather provision for students graduating in 2024 and 2025, allowing them to meet assessment requirements based on the regulations that existed prior to this bill's introduction. Furthermore, the legislation ensures that any student who fails to perform satisfactorily during initial assessments can retake these assessments, reinforcing the commitment to fostering student success and understanding that proficiency can be demonstrated over time.

Summary

Senate Bill S2190 proposes significant revisions to the current high school graduation proficiency testing requirements in New Jersey. The bill aims to eliminate the mandatory administration of the graduation proficiency test specifically to 11th-grade students, a requirement established by previous legislation. Instead, the bill mandates the development and administration of assessments designed to measure high school proficiency in reading, writing, and computational skills, allowing for students to demonstrate proficiency at different grade levels. This shift emphasizes a more flexible approach to assessing student readiness for graduation rather than adhering to a rigid testing timeline.

Contention

As discussions around S2190 continue, there are varying opinions on the implications of these changes. On one side, supporters, including educators, argue that the bill provides greater flexibility for students and allows for a more tailored evaluation process. Conversely, critics express concern that eliminating a standardized testing requirement could lead to inconsistent accountability across districts and diminish educational standards. Legislative discussions highlight the need for balancing assessment flexibility with the necessity of maintaining high educational benchmarks.

Companion Bills

NJ S2163

Carry Over Revises certain requirements concerning graduation proficiency test and eliminates requirement that graduation proficiency test be administered to eleventh grade students.

NJ A1660

Carry Over Revises certain requirements concerning graduation proficiency test and eliminates requirement that graduation proficiency test be administered to eleventh grade students.

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