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  • Beyond the Classroom: NJASA's Influence on Education Policy

     

    The year 2025 presents a complex landscape for education in New Jersey, marked by a convergence of challenges and opportunities.There are several task forces and study groups that are currently working to address specific educational challenges. Here is what you should know about each and who the NJASA members are providing input to the critical work of each group.

    Educator Evaluation Guidance Working Group 

    An Educator Evaluation Guidance Working Group is being organized by the NJDOE to help review the New Jersey Educator Evaluation Review Task Force report on the current state of educator evaluation and to act on one of the recommendations in the report: identify priority implementation strategies and collaborate with the New Jersey Department of Education on guidance to enhance educator evaluation and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens. Dr. Michael La Susa, NJASA Immediate Past President and Superintendent of the School District of the Chathams served as the NJASA representative to the first task force. He represents NJASA on the newly organized working group. Dr. David Aderhold, NJASA Secretary and Superintendent of the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District, chaired the former task force and is the designee of the Garden State Coalition of School Districts to the working group.

     

    Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents
    Legislation signed by Governor Murphy in July 2023 established the Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents. The purpose of the commission is to study the extent of social media usage in and out of public schools and to determine the effects that use has on the health and academic performance of students. The Commission will work to determine how long students in various age groups spend daily on electronic devices and see the impact social media has on the health of students, which includes depression, anxiety, harassment, and bullying. It will also look at the impact on academic performance and physical health of students. There are 19 members representing organizations, parents, and students. Dr. Scott Rocco, NJASA Past President and Superintendent of the Hamilton (Mercer County) School District represents NJASA in the work of the Commission. Dr. Rocco is the 2022 New Jersey Superintendent of the Year and author of two books: 140 Twitter Tips for Educators: Get Connected, Grow Your Professional Learning Network, and Reinvigorate Your Career and Hacking Google for Education: 99 Ways to Leverage Google Tools in Classrooms, Schools, and Districts.


    School Safety and Security Task Force
    Legislation signed into law in 2024 established the School Safety and Security Task Force to study and develop recommendations to improve school safety and security, and to ensure a safe learning environment for students and employees. There are 17 members representing NJDOE, Homeland Security, School Development Authority, state educational organizations, and members of the public. The task force is mandated to identify security vulnerabilities in public schools and suggest solutions to enhance school safety. Their areas of focus include:

    • Physical Security:
      • Implementing screening systems at entrances
      • Stationing resource officers in schools
      • Improving emergency response times
      • Requiring advanced identification for students and visitors
      • Utilizing biometric or advanced recognition systems
      • Assessing the effectiveness of panic alarms
      • Scheduling regular law enforcement patrols
      • Hardening school perimeters and entryways
      • Addressing the needs of students with disabilities in emergency plans

    • Building Security Standards:
      • Reviewing and developing standards for new school construction
      • Assessing and mitigating security risks in existing facilities
      • Creating emergency communication plans
      • Implementing staff training programs
      • Addressing elevated risk factors due to proximity to hazardous facilities


    Nelyda Perez, NJASA President and Superintendent of the Matawan-Aberdeen School District serves on the task force representing NJASA members. Mrs. Perez is the 2019 New Jersey Special Education Administrator of the Year.

    Working Group on Student Literacy
    Governor Murphy signed legislation this past summer which aims to strengthen foundational literacy instruction by establishing a Working Group on Student Literacy. This group comprises members appointed by the Commissioner of Education from all regions of the state and will be responsible for making recommendations to the Department of Education on the implementation of evidence-based literacy strategies, screening methods, and instruction for students, in addition to investigating ways to expand professional learning.

    Based on these recommendations, the Department will develop and publish guidance for school districts to use beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, and shall establish an online resource center to aid school districts in the selection of evidence-based, high-quality literacy instructional materials, including data analysis tools, as part of the school district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in English Language Arts. Additionally, the Department will create a professional development program for early education teaching staff, including librarians, and those serving multilingual learners and/or students with disabilities. This will be available to all districts at no cost.

    The NJASA representatives on the Working Group are:      

     

    • Dr. Lisa Gleason, Superintendent of the Lavalette Public School District and former New Jersey Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Academics and Performance.

    • Dr. Barbara Gould, Chief Academic Officer of the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District whose work was recently highlighted by American Association of School Administrators during Hispanic Heritage Month.


    Pathways to Certification Guidance Development
    Governor Murphy signed Bill A5416 which requires the State Board of Education to authorize a paraprofessional educator pathway to teacher certification of people who are employed to work in a school district as a paraprofessional or an instructional assistant pursuing a certificate of eligibility with advanced (CEAS) standing in a specific endorsement area. This pathway allows a candidate’s direct classroom service while employed in a school district as a paraprofessional or instructional assistant to fulfill the clinical practice requirements of N.J.A.C. 6A:9A-4.4, and to earn full credit for this service.

    The NJASA representatives on the Working Group are:  

    • Dr. Janet Fike, Superintendent, Morris-Union Jointure Commission and NJASA Past President who worked with Ramapo College personnel to establish the TA to Teacher program.        
                              
    • Dr. Sarah Bilotti, Superintendent, Superintendent, Pascack Valley High School District and NJASA Treasurer who has staff members enrolled in the Ramapo College program.

     


    As New Jersey navigates the complex educational landscape of 2025, NJASA members are at the forefront of critical initiatives. By actively participating in task forces and working groups, they are shaping the future of education in the state. Through their expertise and dedication, they are addressing pressing challenges such as educator evaluation, social media's impact on adolescents, school safety, and student literacy. As these initiatives unfold, the ultimate goal is to create a more equitable, innovative, and supportive learning environment for all New Jersey students.