Bill Text: NJ S496 | 2016-2017 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Establishes Response to Intervention initiative in DOE to support and encourage school districts in implementation of Response to Intervention framework.
Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2016-06-27 - Substituted by A2566 (1R) [S496 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2016-S496-Amended.html
SENATE, No. 496
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
217th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2016 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Senator M. TERESA RUIZ
District 29 (Essex)
Senator SHIRLEY K. TURNER
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
Co-Sponsored by:
Senators Pennacchio, Allen and Beck
SYNOPSIS
Establishes Response to Intervention initiative in DOE to support and encourage school districts in implementation of Response to Intervention framework.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As reported by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on June 16, 2016, with amendments.
An Act concerning the implementation of a Response to Intervention framework by school districts and supplementing chapter 6 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. The Commissioner of Education shall develop and establish an initiative to support and encourage the use of a Response to Intervention framework by school districts to promote the achievement of all students. The initiative shall include dissemination of information and guidance to school districts regarding the development and effective implementation of a Response to Intervention framework as a methodology to identify struggling learners, maximize student achievement, and reduce behavioral problems. The initiative shall also include dissemination of information and guidance to school districts regarding the effective use of a Response to Intervention framework as a methodology to identify students with specific learning disabilities in accordance with the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act," 20 U.S.C. s.1400 et seq. 1The information and guidance provided to school districts shall make clear that a Response to Intervention framework is not a substitute for classification of a student as eligible for special education and related services if the student requires classification.1
b. The commissioner shall ensure that a Response to Intervention framework implemented by a school district includes, at a minimum, the following elements:
(1) high quality research-based instruction in the general education setting;
(2) universal screening procedures to identify students at risk for poor learning outcomes or behavioral challenges;
(3) multiple levels of evidence-based interventions that are progressively more intense, based on the student's responsiveness; and
(4) continuous monitoring of student progress.
c. The commissioner shall make available technical assistance and training to assist school districts in the implementation of a Response to Intervention framework.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
