(TRENTON) – To ensure there are no set-backs in a child’s development and education, Assembly Democrats Ralph Caputo (D-Essex), Shavonda Sumter (D- Bergen, Passaic) and Raj Mukherji (D-Hudson) sponsor legislation approved by the full Assembly on Thursday 72-0 that would allow parents or guardians to request grade retention for a student during the 2021-2022 school year.
The bill (A-5365) would allow a student enrolled in any of the grades kindergarten through eight to repeat the grade level they were enrolled in during the 2020-2021 school year. Under the bill, the parent or guardian must provide a written request for grade retention to the school principal, or another school leader. The sponsors of the measure have been and will continue to work with the New Jersey Department of Education to ensure that students are receiving the accommodations required to further their education.
Upon unanimous Assembly approval of the measure, Assembly members Caputo, Sumter and Mukherji issued the following joint statement:
“The COVID-19 pandemic has put a great strain on our children’s education. With the difficulty to get resources and the lack of in person teaching, many students and families faced challenges with student engagement and development. This bill will allow students the opportunity, if they need, to retake any of the grades K-8 for the 2021-2022 school year and get back on track toward maximizing their education and building relationships with fellow classmates.”