This is a just-issued letter, sent to members of the State Board of Education, from New Jersey education leaders who value accurate assessments of student learning.

July 27, 2018

New Jersey State Board of Education

100 River View Plaza

PO Box 500

Trenton, NJ 08625-050

Dear State Board of Education Members:

At the July 11, 2018 meeting of the State Board of Education, the Board announced that open public comment on N.J.A.C. 6A:8 Standards and Assessment would be held on August 1, 2018.  As you know, these regulations make recommended changes to our state’s assessment system.  As these recommendations pertain to a matter of great importance, we respectfully request that open public comment on these proposed regulations be moved to the September 12, 2018 Board Meeting.  Convening this important conversation in September, when school districts are in session and families are not traveling, ensures that all interested stakeholders will have adequate notice and a fair opportunity to deliver oral testimony before the members of the State Board of Education.  In addition, as these regulations concern longstanding educational policy, we request that the State Board follow all procedural steps and examine these regulations at each level of discussion and not to use an expedited process.

We thank you for these considerations.

Sincerely,

Rose Acerra, President, New Jersey PTA

Donna Custard, President, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Michael Taylor, Education Committee Chair, African American Chamber Commerce of New Jersey

Tia Morria, Executive Director, Teach for America New Jersey

Shelley Skinner, Executive Director, Better Education for Kids

Patricia Morgan, Executive Director, JerseyCAN