This bill mandates that the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery-Armed Forces Qualifying Test (ASVAB-AFQT) be recognized as an alternative assessment for fulfilling the high school graduation proficiency test requirement in New Jersey. The State Board of Education is tasked with implementing this change, which aims to provide students with additional pathways to demonstrate their proficiency in meeting graduation standards.
Previously, the ASVAB-AFQT was included in a list of approved substitute competency tests, but it was removed by the State Board of Education in May 2023 for the classes of 2024 and 2025. This legislation seeks to reinstate the ASVAB-AFQT as a valid option for students who have not met the proficiency requirements through the traditional State graduation proficiency test or other approved assessments. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.