Bill Text: NJ AR154 | 2012-2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Supports traditional classroom teaching with use of virtual learning in grades K-12 as supplementary tool, not teacher replacement.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2013-03-07 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee [AR154 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2012-AR154-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman PETER J. BARNES, III
District 18 (Middlesex)
Assemblyman PATRICK J. DIEGNAN, JR.
District 18 (Middlesex)
SYNOPSIS
Supports traditional classroom teaching with use of virtual learning in grades K-12 as supplementary tool, not teacher replacement.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution expressing support for traditional classroom teaching.
Whereas, Virtual learning programs, including online courses and other technological learning tools, when used appropriately can be a useful supplement for teachers in elementary and secondary schools; and
Whereas, In-class teaching by a highly qualified instructor has many important benefits and advantages including, but not limited to, the creation of a collaborative and personal learning environment; immediate and real-time interaction and dialogue; and face-to-face support of student progress, which inspires enthusiasm and effort and promotes accountability and responsibility; and
Whereas, Trained, successful classroom teachers are adept at reading their audience, can ascertain important non-verbal cues and behaviors, and can modify their lessons and teaching style to suit the needs of a particular class; and
Whereas, Virtual courses and programs do not suit the learning styles of all students and typically require significant self-motivation, organization, and discipline; students who fall behind in such programs may have great difficulty catching up; and
Whereas, Not all students have access to the technological infrastructure necessary for participation in virtual learning; and
Whereas, Virtual learning programs cannot monitor student attendance, attention, and comprehension in the same way as a live classroom teacher, who can observe and gauge student responsiveness; and
Whereas, Virtual learning and other technological tools may serve as supplements in elementary and secondary school classrooms, but should not be used as a replacement or substitute for the presence of a highly qualified teacher; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House expresses support for traditional classroom teaching conducted by highly qualified instructors. While virtual learning programs can serve as a useful educational tool to supplement classroom learning, they should not be used as a replacement or substitute for the presence of a highly qualified teacher in the elementary or secondary school classroom.
2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk thereof, shall be transmitted to the Commissioner of Education and each member of the State Board of Education.
STATEMENT
This resolution expresses support for traditional classroom teaching by highly qualified instructors, and the position that virtual learning in elementary and secondary schools should be utilized as a supplementary educational tool, not a substitute or replacement for classroom teachers.
A few states, including Michigan, Florida, and Virginia, have laws mandating that students complete at least one online course or experience in order to graduate from high school. However, it is the sponsor's belief that such a requirement would not be beneficial to New Jersey students. In-class teaching has many important benefits and advantages that cannot be replicated effectively by virtual learning programs, and not all students are well-suited to virtual learning. While virtual learning options can serve as a useful educational supplement, they should not be used in place of highly qualified teachers in the elementary or secondary classroom.
