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A 3436

Provides that child study team members may be employees of the school district or of a DOE approved agency or clinic.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

New Jersey bill allows external DOE-approved agency and clinic employees to serve on school child study teams alongside district staff for special education evaluations.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Education Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3436

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 3436 expands who can serve on child study teams (CSTs) in New Jersey schools by allowing members to be employed by DOE-approved external agencies or clinics, in addition to district employees. Currently, CST composition appears to be more restrictive regarding outside personnel. This change would permit schools to utilize external specialists for evaluations and recommendations on special education matters.

Why is this important

Child study teams conduct evaluations and develop educational plans for students with suspected disabilities or special needs. Allowing external agency staff to participate could increase access to specialized expertise, reduce strain on district resources, and potentially expedite evaluations. However, it also raises questions about consistency, oversight, and cost implications for school budgets.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and fiscal responsibility: Whether schools would bear costs for external agency services and how this affects district budgets, particularly in under-resourced districts
  • Quality control and accountability: How DOE approval standards ensure external providers meet the same qualifications and standards as district employees, and who oversees their work
  • Conflicts of interest: Whether external agencies with financial incentives (billing for services) might influence recommendations differently than salaried district employees

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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