SENATE, No. 1055

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED MAY 2, 1996

By Senator PALAIA

An Act concerning the public school curriculum and amending P.L.1987, c.389.

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

    1. Section 1 of P.L.1987, c.389 (C.18A:40A-1) is amended to read as follows:

    1. Instructional programs on compulsive gambling and on the nature of drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substances, as defined in section 2 of P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-2), and their physiological, psychological, sociological and legal effects on the individual, the family and society shall be taught in each public school and in each grade from kindergarten through 12 in a manner adapted to the age and understanding of the pupils. The programs shall be based upon the curriculum guidelines established by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to section 2 of this act, and shall be included in the curriculum for each grade in such a manner as to provide a thorough and comprehensive treatment of the subject.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.225, s.2)

    2. Section 2 of P.L.1987, c.389 (C.18A:40A-2) is amended to read as follows:

    2. The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, shall develop curriculum guidelines for education programs on compulsive gambling and on drugs, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substances. These guidelines shall be reviewed annually, and shall be updated as necessary to insure that the curriculum reflects the most current information available on the nature and treatment of compulsive gambling and of drug, alcohol, anabolic steroids, tobacco and controlled dangerous substance abuse and treatment. The guidelines shall provide for a sequential course of study for each grade, K-12, and shall, at a minimum, include:

    a. Detailed, factual information regarding the physiological, psychological, sociological and legal aspects of substance abuse and gambling;

    b. Detailed information concerning the availability of help and assistance for pupils and their families with chemical dependency and gambling problems;

    c. Decision making and coping skills; and,

    d. The development of activities and attitudes which are consistent with a healthy life style. The guidelines shall include model instructional units, shall define specific behavioral and learning objectives and shall recommend instructional materials suitable for each grade level.

(cf: P.L.1989, c.225, s.3)

    3. This act shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

    This bill would include instruction on compulsive gambling in the educational program on the nature and effects of drugs, alcohol and controlled dangerous susbstances. It would also require the inclusion of material on the physiological, psychological, sociological and legal aspects of compulsive gambling in the curriculum guidelines to be devloped by the Commissioner of Education.

Includes instruction on compulsive gambling in the alcohol and substance abuse educational program.