Education (Curriculum) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 448: Permits certain students not enrolled in public schools to participate in interscholastic athletics.

This bill allows students not enrolled in public schools (including homeschooled students, charter school students, county vocational students, and nonpublic school students) to participate in interscholastic sports in their district of residence, provided they meet the same eligibility standards as public school students. To qualify, students must prove district residency, meet all athletic requirements (like physicals and academic standards), and demonstrate they receive an academically equivalent education. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association resolves eligibility disputes, and the Department of Education will create guidelines for verifying academic equivalency. Students previously ineligible for athletics when leaving a public school remain ineligible under this bill.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum School Choice

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4246: Requires school districts to include instruction on bullying awareness and prevention as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

This bill requires all New Jersey public school districts to include age-appropriate bullying awareness and prevention education in grades preschool through 12 as part of their Comprehensive Health and Physical Education curriculum. It mandates instruction covering definitions of bullying, types (including physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying), the permanence of online posts, how to seek help, and consequences for bullies. The education must also address how bullying is exacerbated by intolerance based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, or other distinguishing characteristics. The Commissioner of Education must provide sample learning activities and resources to support implementation, effective for the first full school year after enactment.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum Early Childhood School Safety

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1748: Requires school districts to provide instruction on dangers of electronic cigarette usage as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts to add instruction about e-cigarette dangers to health education for students in grades 6-12, starting in the 2020-2021 school year. The curriculum must cover: nicotine content in e-cigarettes, how e-cigarette use can lead to addiction to tobacco or other drugs, health effects of chemicals like formaldehyde found in e-cigarettes, and the state's ban on e-cigarette use on school grounds. The state’s Education Commissioner will provide schools with sample lesson materials to support this teaching. The law directly affects all public school districts and students in grades 6-12 across New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Curriculum Substance Abuse

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1100: Establishes New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program.

This bill establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program, providing up to $4,000 in tuition, book, and fee assistance to eligible high school graduates attending county colleges. To qualify, students must earn a School Counts certificate by maintaining 95% attendance, achieving a C average or higher, completing Algebra I, and meeting graduation requirements during high school. The scholarship covers costs after other financial aid is applied, requires full-time enrollment (24+ credits annually), and must be used within six months of high school graduation. County colleges can receive state matching funds if they raise private donations to support student scholarships.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 262: Requires school districts to provide instruction on the dangers of texting while driving as part of the Core Curriculum Content Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

This bill requires New Jersey public school districts to add instruction about the dangers of texting while driving to health education for students in grades 9 through 12, starting with the 2012-2013 school year. The curriculum must cover how texting while driving correlates with dangerous driving behaviors (like lane-weaving) and provide statistics on accidents, injuries, and fatalities linked to this behavior. School districts must use this content as part of their existing health education standards, and the Commissioner of Education will provide sample lesson materials and resources to support implementation. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2323: Establishes various requirements for charter schools, charter school board of trustees members, and charter management organizations.

This bill (now enacted as P.L.2025, c.277) establishes new requirements for New Jersey charter schools, their boards of trustees, and charter management organizations (CMOs). It mandates that charter schools conduct annual "compensation studies" comparing top staff pay to public school equivalents, sets enrollment limits (max 500 students or 25% of the district’s student body), and requires detailed application materials covering governance, curriculum, admission policies, and community involvement. These rules directly affect charter schools seeking approval, their governing boards, and CMOs operating multiple schools. The law aims to standardize oversight while ensuring charter schools meet academic performance standards and maintain transparency in staffing and operations.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum School Choice

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2314: Establishes Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion in Schools.

This bill creates a permanent 25-member Advisory Commission on Advancing LGBTQIA+ Youth Equity and Inclusion in Schools to address challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ students in New Jersey public schools. The commission, including government officials and community representatives, will review school policies, identify best practices for inclusive environments, and recommend strategies to prevent bullying and support mental health. It will specifically advise on implementing curriculum requirements about LGBTQIA+ contributions and improving school safety. The commission is designed to build on a 2024 executive order but establish a permanent, independent body within the Department of Education. The bill does not change existing laws but creates a mechanism for ongoing review and recommendations.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Curriculum School Safety Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1539: "Safe Mobility Education Act"; requires public school instruction on pedestrian, cycling, and motor vehicle safety.

This New Jersey bill (A1539, "Safe Mobility Education Act") requires public schools to teach pedestrian, cycling, and motor vehicle safety to all students in grades K-12. It mandates the State Board of Education to update curriculum standards to include age-appropriate lessons on topics like bike safety rules, helmet use, visibility gear, legal responsibilities, and consequences of traffic violations. School districts must implement this curriculum starting in the first full school year after the standards are updated, and teachers must complete a required professional development module on the topic. The bill directly affects New Jersey public school students, educators, and school districts through mandatory curriculum changes.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education School Transportation Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2183: Requires school districts to provide instruction on menstrual health and hygiene as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.

New Jersey schools would be required to include age-appropriate instruction on menstrual health and hygiene for students in grades four through 12 as part of their existing health and physical education curriculum. The instruction must cover proper use of menstrual products (including risks like Toxic Shock Syndrome), symptoms and effects of menstrual disorders, the impacts of period poverty (lack of access to products, education, and facilities), and how to seek medical help. Before teaching this topic, schools must notify parents or guardians about the curriculum content and state standards. The law takes effect immediately for the first full school year after enactment.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics Curriculum

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1713: Requires instruction on cursive handwriting in public school curriculum for grades three through five.

This bill requires New Jersey public schools to teach cursive handwriting to students in grades three through five. It mandates that school districts incorporate specific curriculum activities to help students read cursive text and write legibly in cursive by the end of fifth grade. The law takes effect immediately for the first full school year after enactment, applying to all public school districts in the state. It directly affects elementary school students and educators responsible for implementing the curriculum.

Topics ✓ Education

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education

All education bills