Governor Murphy signed two bills on Tuesday that will have a direct impact on school libraries.  NJASL is beyond thrilled to have been specifically named in the first bill that will create a working group on best practices for literacy that includes school librarians as part of the working group.  School librarians were also listed as educators who will be eligible to receive professional development training.

The second bill creates the Office of Learning Equity at the NJ Department of Education with the purpose of promoting student literacy and advancing learning equity through academic recovery practices.  This will provide an opportunity for school librarians to showcase their value and connections to student literacy.

Past President, Beth Raff was there to represent NJASL at the bill signing.

Both bills were approved on 8/13/2024.

1. P.L.2024, c.52 S2644: Requires universal literacy screening for students in K-3 and also creates a working group that includes SLMS to inform best literacy practices as well as PD opportunities.

The primary sponsors of S2644/A4303 are Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, Senator Vin Gopal, Assemblywoman Carmen Morales, Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin.

2. P.L.2024, c.53 A2288 Establishes Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery in DOE

The primary sponsors for A2288/S2647 are Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, Senator Shirley Turner, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, and Assemblyman Sterley Stanley.

Press Release