This bill aims to eliminate the high school graduation proficiency test currently mandated for students in New Jersey. It prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring satisfactory performance on any Statewide proficiency test as part of the graduation standards. The bill amends existing laws to remove references to the proficiency test, including its requirement for graduation, the necessity for out-of-school youth or adults to pass the test to receive a State endorsed diploma, and the inclusion of test results in school district report cards. Additionally, it clarifies that participation in the State Seal of Biliteracy program does not require taking the proficiency test.

The legislation also repeals sections of law that mandate the administration of the graduation proficiency test to 11th and certain 12th-grade students, as well as the requirement for the Commissioner of Education to consult with various stakeholders in developing the test. The bill reflects a growing trend among states to move away from standardized testing as a graduation requirement, citing concerns about the accuracy of such tests in measuring student learning and readiness for college and careers. Overall, the bill seeks to reform graduation requirements to better align with educational outcomes and student performance metrics.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:7C-1, 18A:7C-2, 18A:7C-4, 18A:7C-15, 18A:7E-3, 18A:36C-10