The bill establishes the Elementary Student Literacy Task Force in New Jersey, aimed at assessing the reading levels of elementary school students in public schools and identifying best practices to support students in reading at or above grade level. The task force will consist of 17 members, including the Commissioner of Education or a designee, members appointed by legislative leaders with expertise in literacy issues, and 12 members appointed by the Governor representing various educational roles. The task force is required to organize within 90 days of the bill's effective date and will receive administrative support from the Department of Education.
The responsibilities of the task force include examining current reading data, analyzing effective reading intervention techniques, researching successful early literacy programs, identifying professional development options for educators, studying practices for supporting students with reading disabilities, and developing recommendations for enhancing family engagement in reading. The task force is mandated to issue a final report to the Governor and the Legislature within one year of its organization, and it will dissolve 30 days after the report is issued.