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August 4, 2005 • Vol. XXIX • No. 3

Special Review Assessment At the July work session of the State Board of Education, discussions on the proposed elimination of the Special Review Assessment continued without consensus and will be discussed again at the August 3 public business meeting. At the subsequent testimony session, Assemblyman Joseph Cryan testified in support of the commissioner’s proposal to replace the SRA with an appeals process. Several testing specialists, educators and students testified in opposition to the commissioner’s plan, stating that the appeals process was not a sufficient alternative for students who have difficulties with testing, as it would still require the students to take the High School Proficiency Assessment.
NJSBA sent a letter to the commissioner offering support and assistance during the review of the regulations that implement the Special Review Assessment.

Reports Released The report of the Gifted and Talented Commission was released to the public and outlines several recommendations on how schools should implement programs that benefit gifted and talented students. Members of the commission did concede that several districts advised that more funding for additional programs would be necessary for implementation. Also, the Quality Teaching and Learning Task force released its preliminary report and has agreed to meet in the fall to continue its work toward enhancing professional development in the state.

Appointments Arcelio Aponte and Reverend Frederick H. LaGarde Jr. were sworn in on July 20 as new members of the state board. Aponte has replaced Anne Dillman on the board, and LaGarde has replaced Roberta Van Anda.

View NJSBA’s Web site for further information on the activities of the state board.