This bill mandates that each school district in New Jersey incorporate keyboarding instruction into the curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through six. The instruction is to align with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills, and must include activities and resources that ensure students can type a minimum of one page in a single sitting by the end of sixth grade. The bill aims to address the decline in formal keyboarding education, as many districts have removed it from their curricula despite the increasing reliance on technology in both educational and professional settings.
The legislation highlights the importance of keyboarding as a vital technical skill that enhances students' academic performance and prepares them for future career opportunities. It notes that improved typing skills can lead to better outcomes on standardized tests, as students can concentrate on content rather than keyboarding mechanics. By reinstating keyboarding instruction, the bill seeks to promote digital equity and provide all students with equal opportunities to succeed in a technology-driven world. The act is set to take effect in the first full school year following its enactment.