NEW JERSEY
A comprehensive overview of New Jersey's enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.
BRIEF SUMMARY
New Jersey mandates early dyslexia screening, structured interventions, and ongoing teacher training in evidence-based reading instruction. Teachers must receive professional development, and schools are required to use state-approved tools for dyslexia identification and intervention. These measures aim to improve literacy outcomes for students with dyslexia.
NEW JERSEY LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS
1. NJ S2644 (2024)
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Summary: This bill establishes a working group at least one member who has expertise working with students with dyslexia focused on Student Literacy and mandates universal literacy screenings for kindergarten through grade three students.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Improves early literacy identification and support systems in New Jersey schools.
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More: NJ S2644
2. New Jersey Chapter 210 (2014)
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Summary: This law requires early screening of students for potential indicators of dyslexia and other reading disabilities, particularly in grades K-2 and for newly enrolled students in grades K-6 who lack prior screening records. It also requires comprehensive assessments for students identified through screening and the implementation of evidence-based interventions.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Ensures early identification of students with dyslexia or other reading disabilities.
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More: Chapter 210
3. New Jersey Chapter 131 (2013)
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Summary: This law incorporates the International Dyslexia Association's definition of dyslexia into New Jersey education code.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Establishes a clear, legally recognized definition of dyslexia in New Jersey schools.
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More: Chapter 131
4. New Jersey Chapter 105 (2013)
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Summary: This law requires professional development for teachers on dyslexia and other reading disabilities. It requires specific teaching staff, such as general education teachers in K-3 and special education teachers, to complete at least two hours of annual training focused on screening, intervention, accommodations, and technology use for students with reading disabilities, including dyslexia.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Ensures educators receive training to better identify and support students with dyslexia.
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More: PL2013, c. 105
TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
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A minimum of two hours of professional development each year is required for general education teachers (K-3), special education teachers, learning disabilities teacher consultants, and speech-language specialists.
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Professional development must cover screening, intervention, accommodation, and use of technology for students with disabilities, including dyslexia.
MORE NEW JERSEY STATE RESOURCES
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