[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 127

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 1996 SESSION

By Senators KYRILLOS and PALAIA

An Act establishing a State-administered fourth grade test in the public schools and supplementing chapter 7A of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.

    Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. a. The Commissioner of Education shall develop and administer to all fourth grade pupils in the school year which begins in September 1997, and annually thereafter, a test to assess progress toward mastery of State ¹[proficiency] core curriculum¹ standards. The test shall provide direction to school districts for the design of the most appropriate instructional program for elementary school pupils.

    b. In the development of the test, the Commissioner shall consult with educators, parents, community representatives, members of minority groups, and other persons who have expertise in cognitive development and the academic environment of elementary school pupils.

    c. Upon implementation of the State-administered fourth grade test, a school district shall not be required to administer ¹[proficiency] commercial standardized achievement¹ tests in ¹any other¹ grades ¹[two through six]¹.

    2. This act shall take effect immediately.

Establishes a State-administered fourth grade test in the public schools.