TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senate Education Chair M. Teresa Ruiz and Senator Shirley K. Turner, Vice Chair of the committee, that would create a pilot program allowing up to 25 school districts to increase the length of the school day and school year – an initiative championed on the national level by President Barack Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan – was approved today by the committee.
“While New Jersey students do well nationally, our country as a whole is lagging behind its global competitors. More time in the classroom if used effectively will help to increase academic achievement, improve student enrichment opportunities and educational offerings. This is critical to ensuring our students are prepared for college and career but also that they are able compete in a 21st Century global economy,” said Senator Ruiz (D-Essex). “This program will allow us to study the success of a longer school day and longer school year and measure its effectiveness in improving educational outcomes.”