ASSEMBLY EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 447

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: FEBRUARY 15, 1996

      The Assembly Education Committee favorably reports Assembly Bill No. 447.

      This bill permits boards of education to offer instruction in dispute management and resolution. This instruction is designed to cover such topics as the development of awareness for the rights of others, the provision of insight into how attitudes are formed and an understanding of other cultures. In addition, it is designed for the development of skills for effective communication with people from other cultures and the encouragement of creative problem solving through peaceful means. The bill directs the Department of Education to establish guidelines to be used by boards of education which offer instruction in dispute management.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 1996 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.