NJ S2215

Creates a two-year "New Jersey Literacy Training Pilot Program" administered by the Commissioner of Education to address literacy gaps and learning loss by providing 70-hour literacy training to teachers across all disciplines

Up to 15 school districts will be selected for participation, with the commissioner seeking equal representation from northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey and a cross section of urban, suburban, and rural areas

School districts must submit proposals that include data on students who did not meet expectations on State English Language Arts/Literacy assessments and explain how participation will advance student academic achievement

Participating districts are eligible for state grant awards funded through the American Rescue Plan Act or other federal COVID-19 pandemic relief funds for elementary and secondary schools

Districts must submit final reports including teacher feedback and program outcomes, after which the commissioner will report to the Governor and Legislature with recommendations on whether to continue and expand the program