Okay, good morning everyone. Thank you for being here. Um, now that a quorum is present, we'll call the meeting to order. The New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act was enacted to ensure the right of the public to have advanced notice of and to attend the meeting of public bodies at which any business
affecting their interest is discussed or acted upon. In accordance with provisions of this act, State Board of Education has caused notice of this meeting to be published by having the date, time, and place thereof posted in the Department of Education Secretary of
State's office. and notice has been given to the state house press course, the governor's office, and the state board agenda subscribers. And as a quorum is present, may I please have a motion? Thank you very much. Board member
Shahada, may I please have a second? Thank you, sir. All in favor of calling this meeting to order, please say I. >> I. >> Thank you very much. Any opposition? Any abstensions?
The motion is approved. Now, we're going to um whereas we're going to go into executive session. So, whereas in order to protect the personal privacy and to avoid situations where in the public interest might be disserved,
the open public meetings act permits bodies public bodies to exclude the public from a portion of the meeting which certain matters are discussed. So therefore, be it resolved that consistent with the provision of NJSA 104-12B, the State Board of Education will now
adjourn to executive session to discuss personnel and legal matters. May I please have a motion? >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Board member Bennett, may I please have a second? >> Thank you very much. Board member Aante, all in favor of adjoining the executive
session, please say I. I. I >> thank you. Any opposed? Any abstensions? The motion is approved and we will be back I would think at 10:00 a.m. So, thank you so much.
Remember that teacher who changed your life? You could be that teacher. New Jersey has some of the best public schools in the country with competitive salaries and valuable benefits. Be that teacher. Visit teach inspire.nj.gov. Remember
that teacher who changed your life. You could be that teacher in New Jersey. You'll help shape the next generation alongside a dedicated community of educators. New Jersey has some of the best public schools in the country with competitive salaries, valuable benefits,
and a solid pension plan. So be that teacher. Make an impact. Teach Inspire New Jersey. To learn more, visit teach inspire.nj.gov. If you're a teacher, you've had students tell you how much you mean to them. And for everyone who does, more feel that
way, but may not say it. Remember that teacher who changed your life. You're that teacher to a lot of people. Teach Inspire New Jersey. If you're a teacher, you've probably had students tell you how much you mean to them. And for everyone who does, there
are more who feel that way, but may not say it. You can't know how many, but it's more than you think. Because you've done more than teach. You've inspired. Remember that teacher who changed your life? You're that teacher to a lot of
people. Teach inspire New Jersey. Jersey in speed. Visit the teach inspire punj. will took off. Remember that teacher who changed your life? You could be that teacher. New Jersey has
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You'll help shape the next generation alongside a dedicated community of educators. New Jersey has some of the best public schools in the country with competitive salaries, valuable benefits, and a solid pension plan. So be that teacher. Make an impact. Teach Inspire
New Jersey. To learn more, visit teach inspire.nj.gov. Gov. If you're a teacher, you've had students tell you how much you mean to them. And for everyone who does, more feel that way, but may not say it. Remember that teacher who changed your life. You're
that teacher to a lot of people. Teach. Inspire New Jersey. If you're a teacher, you've probably had students tell you how much you mean to them. And for everyone who does, there are more who feel that way but may not say it. You can't know how many, but
it's more than you think. Because you've done more than teach. You've inspired. Remember that teacher who changed your life? You're that teacher to a lot of people. Teach. Inspire New Jersey. Jersey.
Inspector. Remember that teacher who changed your life? You could be that teacher. New Jersey has some of the best public schools in the country with competitive salaries and valuable benefits. Be that teacher. Visit teach inspire.nj.gov.
Remember that teacher who changed your life. You could be that teacher in New Jersey. You'll help shape the next generation alongside a dedicated community of educators. New Jersey has some of the best public schools in the country with competitive salaries, valuable benefits,
and a solid pension plan. So, be that teacher. Make an impact. Teach Inspire New Jersey. To learn more, visit teach inspire.nj.gov. All right. Good morning everyone. >> Good morning.
>> Good morning. >> Good morning. >> Thank you. Thank you. So, um, now we're going to resume to the public portion of our meeting. So whereas consistent with the provision of NJSA 10 col4-12B, the state board will now
adjourn from executive session to resume the open session portion of our meeting. May I please have a motion? >> So move. >> Thank you very much, Dr. Butcher. May I please have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Um, all in favor of resuming to our public portion of the meeting, please
say I. >> I. >> Um, are there any? >> Thank you very much. Is there any opposition? Any opposed? Any abstensions? Hearing none, the motion is approved.
Did we vote? Motion. >> Okay, we're good. All right. And so now I'd like to please ask for the pledge of allegiance to be started by >> to the flag of the and to the republic for which it stands.
One nation under God under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you very much, board member Keenan. Appreciate it. Um, so good morning. Thank you again for
joining us today. I want to welcome all of you that are here in person and to Trenton. Um, as the state board meetings are accessible to the public for viewing on the YouTube channel, I would like to advise you that YouTube provides a readily accessible language translation
for closed captioning. If you're viewing our Simoccast currently, you can use the settings option in order in YouTube for the information regarding subtitles, automatic translations, and close captioning in multiple languages. So,
um, may I please ask for a motion to approve the minutes from our February meeting on the state board of ed? Thank you very much. Board member Bennett, may I please have a second? >> Thank you very much. Um, I appreciate it. All in favor of approving the
minutes, please say I. >> Thank you. Any opposed? Thank you. Any opposed? Please say nay. Any um abstensions at this time hearing? None. The motion is approved. Um public
testimony will not be held this month as there are no topics in scheduled. However, public testimony will be held in April on the draft religious holidays calendar resolution and the proposed amendments to chapter 9B. The state
board of examiners and certification pertaining to the military science endorsement. State board members who are scheduled to be here are Dr. Ned Johnson, Mr. Arcilio Aante, Miss Mary Bennett, and Mr. Jack Fernaro. Um, if
any of you uh Miss board member Claudine Keenan and I are alternates, if any of you are unable to sit for public testimony, we ask you to please reach out to one of the alternates and see if they're available to substitute.
So this month, this month we are delighted again to have our junior from East Brunswick High School in Middle Sex County give us her report. Um her name is Kayn D. Rose and we're very pleased to have you as
always. And I would like to ask her advisor, Bonnie Benard, are you here? Thank you very much. She's she's amazing. Welcome Kayn. and whenever you're ready, we're very eager to hear your report. Thank you. >> Yep. Thank you, President Goldenberg.
Um, and it's great to be back, especially after not being here for a while. So, yes, again, thank you and good morning everyone. As I said during January's meeting, students, especially high schoolers, shockingly, don't always want to take tests. As many of you know,
this past fall, the NJ Department of Education rolled out field testing for a new standardized exam. Students across the state took an early version of the fulllength exam that they'll have to take the following spring, many starting in a couple of weeks. A unique aspect of the new exam is the fact that it's
adaptive, like many nationwide standardized tests such as the SAT, PSAT, or ACT. What I found interesting was the fact that students weren't asked for their opinion on their test taking experience afterwards, whether through forums or surveys. Today, I'm taking the
time to discuss student experiences while taking the exam with the purpose of improving test taking experiences in the future. In traditional adaptive standardized exams, each section of the test is split into two sections, often known as modules. The first section is considered a diagnostic test. Students
who score highly on the first test will get more challenging questions, allowing for a higher potential score. Students who score lower will be given easier questions and many adapted tests such as the SAT, PSAT or ACT limit how high students can score. Just to clarify, the
NJGPA and NJSLA is under a different system of evaluations where where a diagnostic section isn't involved. This context, however, is crucial to student opinions and experiences while testing. According to the 2025 New Jersey SAT suite of assessments annual report from
the College Board, 66% of 2025 graduates took the SAT. 79% of 11th graders and 76% of 10th graders took the PSAT. New Jersey students are well familiar with adaptive testing, so many expect traditional features of adaptive or computer testing to still be present.
After surveying juniors at East Brentic High School, very few were aware of distinct features such as the ability to bookmark a question and move on or the ability to write notes on a virtual notepad. Students weren't audibly told about these tools, nor were written instructions present before beginning the exam on what options students had. I
only discovered these tools after clicking around the software and investigating, technically sacrificing the time I had left. These features are present on many adaptive tests and were present on the NJSLA and NJGPA from prior. Another note is the design of bookmarking question. When students
bookmark a question, most software highlights the question as a red as a red flag or other bright visual to contrast with the blue and white background. However, the field testing created a small gray triangle on a small box representing the question. As the question had a white background, this may be difficult for students to
properly see even if they aren't visually impaired. Furthermore, the field exam lacked important features. Notably, in the reading and writing exams, students didn't have the ability to highlight the passages they had to read and interpret. This is crucial for test takers on paper or computer tests.
Highlighting allows students to identify important information on or keep tabs on quotes/evidence that they would like to revisit, especially when the text is multiple pages long. Students could only highlight the question on the exam, which was often redundant as it contained one to two
sentences. These concerns aren't being brought up in retaliation to a new exam in a new format for New Jersey students. Rather, to help improve an exam, which may be present in all New Jersey schools for 10 years to properly evaluate students and schools, a testing environment that
supports them should be present. This includes the software and ergonomics of the test itself. Furthermore, it's vital that stakeholder opinions are present. Students may not be able to make public testimony when it's hosted as it's often during school hours. Moreover, hearing from teachers about the experience on
proctoring the exam is also important. There are many parts that go into standardized testing, which is why it's crucial to be diligent leading up to the exam going live. These testimonies from students are just another important part in developing educational software. Thank you.
>> Thank you very much. You've given us quite a bit to muse over and think about. It's tremendous. Um I don't know if any board members say. >> Okay. very very definitely some extremely interesting comments
and the depth that went which you went into certain aspects uh there's going to be a lot of discussion regarding testing I'm sure over the course of next several months so I thank you very much for doing that >> thank you sir
>> just so I had >> thank you very much for your comments I'm just reading uh one sentence you have here you stated what I found interesting was the fact that students weren't ask for their opinion on their test taking experience afterwards and certainly if they were then uh we would
address these technological issues um that uh the students are discovering during the uh preliminary testing. So uh student input is certainly valuable and important for us to incorporate as we develop the test further. So thank you
very much for uh bringing the students voice to to this experience. Um really really grateful for your comments. >> Thank you sir. >> Thank you Marcelo. Um yes Mary Bennett. >> Good morning Kaylin. Thank you so very much for taking the time to survey the
students that you had access to and for bringing this information as forward. I also appreciate the comment that you made that teachers needed to know about the tools and the structure and how the test works best for students so that they who get the data back from the test
are able to take that and incorporate ways to improve instruction and student performance. So what you've brought to us today is something that's always critical when you roll out something new. It needs to be well thought out. It needs to have multiple voices and it
needs to always go back to the people who are experiencing it, primarily the students and the staff. So, I am just over the hill with joy by your presentation this morning because it echoes concerns that uh we have begun to
share with former commissioner Damer and now we brought some things to the attention of our new commissioner locks and I'm sure going forward that issues that you raised today will be addressed and where there are things that were omitted will be included and that we
will implement assessment in a way that's most meaningful for students, for the staff, and for the betterment of education in the state of New Jersey. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Um, >> Diane, we we usually get copies of the
student speech. There's none in the file. Can we get a copy of that, please? It was in there. It's in the packet. Does that have electronic? >> Also, it's online. >> Not in my packet. come back.
>> Okay. >> And now we'll um we I'd like to ask Commissioner if she would like. >> Thank you. >> I want to echo what many folks have said and just really thank you Kayn for your thoughtful and very careful speaking to your colleague your students about that student perspective. I couldn't agree
more and I think this student feedback and student voice and things that impact you is incredibly important as we move forward. So I really look forward to continuing to get your perspective and other students around the state as we move forward on this and other initiatives. Um I also would love to take a moment u based on your comments
to share some additional pieces about the assessment. I know that this is um something uh as uh our member shared we will be speaking about more as we move forward but we have put out some resources we want folks to be aware of and just again talk about a couple pieces folks who have talked to me know
um I'm very passionate about assessment and I think again Kaylin you made an excellent point different assessments are for different purposes and it's really really important that we're clear on what that is and we speak about them um with that piece and and again so much gratitude to you and other students for
taking them as you shared Adaptive tests are not new for New Jersey students. And so this concept though of an adaptive test that is aligned to the New Jersey state learning standards and again one that moves us into that moment of the present, you know, is an exciting moment despite some of the challenges. Um, you
also shared some of your experience from the field test and the field test is a crucial operational step to making sure that when we get to the operational test, we're able to resolve some of those issues. I don't want to pretend we've resolved all of them, but I will speak to a couple um in just a moment. Uh and so I would like to ask the team
to navigate to our homepage just to show you a couple of things both in terms of resources for students and in terms for educators and and the board and the public to be aware of. So now when you go to the Department of Education homepage, there is a tile on the left that says adaptive assessments. And when
you click on this tile, it brings you to a variety of new resources um that I'm going to highlight. So, first, as you can see here on this landing page, there's some overall information. And we're going to click on a couple of these as we go together. I won't click on, but I will call your
attention to a new frequently asked questions page um that has continued to grow and will continue to grow through the coming weeks and likely after the test with additional feedback as well. I also want to thank members of this board and members of the public who have brought questions forward. Like I mentioned, we're working to get more
answers up on that page as we go. If you click over under the resources, there's a series of five one-pagers. And I apologize, my voice. I'm really not sick. My voice is not cooperating today. So, excuse me. Um, the first one here has a quick
overview just adaptive testing. Again, Kaitlin did a wonderful job explaining this and how it works with other national assessments. And then in a moment, I'll speak to some presentations that have more detail about what does this look like for New Jersey. So, these one pages
are general about what is adaptive testing, who who want to know more. Back on the page, uh another opportunity for folks to learn is on our info sessions. So if you go down to that second box, the first flyer there is
about info session currently not join because they are as we speak giving a public session on and what it looks like. But if you scroll down in addition to the live sessions this week, there are some virtual ones including one in the evening tomorrow.
Um again noting that timing piece and we are planning to record these and get them posted. So, if you're not able to attend, we'll make sure that those resources are out there. Um, again, these do not answer all of the questions and they do not get at the student perspective um to that extent, but I just wanted people to be aware that
they're here. And then the last thing I'd like to call your attention to is the link to the New Jersey assessment portal on this page. If you click on this link, this will take you to the general assessment portal where when you click on students and families up at the
top bar, you'll get access to some of the resources that have been put out including practice tests. So on the practice test one, you'll have an opportunity to work in that testing environment. And we'll continue to look at this. I've been assured the highlighting issue is fixed, but I want
to double test it and I know I'll continue talking about this. Um, but you should be able to go down to online practice tests and be able to again look at these different pieces and get some opportunity to work with the interface ahead of the assessment timing. So again, I do not um I think everything
you have shared Kaylin is really important and uh these are just some additional resources that we've started to put together. We want to continue to do so. We want to continue to set up formal processes for getting student feedback. And then I just want to sort of conclude by mentioning, you know, this test is about testing the New
Jersey state learning standards that this board sets. I know it can often feel very different and be a lot of pressure for students and back to this test for different purposes. You know, for students, we really do want you to not stress and do your best and no student test and that's why there are
other pathways to graduation in the state of New Jersey. And so I just want to continue to reiterate that as well. Um, and I do really look forward to engaging with this board and the public in more depth on assessments and how we can make sure that this system is serving our state as we get an understanding of how well we are
teaching students these standards, what we need to do, and how we can support equity here in New Jersey. So, thank you again, Kayn. Thank you to board members and members of the public who've continued to raise questions about the assessment. Uh, and it will be an ongoing conversation between all of us.
>> Thank you very much. I'm so pleased that the questions are coming. Keep them coming everyone, but um also that we're getting feedback and it's exactly what we need. So, thank you very much for helping us. >> Yes, thank you, Commissioner, of course,
and thank you, President Goldenberg, and to all the other board members who had comments and questions. And I'm also incredibly grateful for this opportunity to of course be that voice for students and to bring up these these discussions. Thank you. you're doing a wonderful job.
So, thank you for bringing them forward. >> Thank you. >> Um Okay. Um now I'd like to go ahead and continue if that's okay. >> So, we have a resolution in recognition of the month of the military child in
New Jersey. And today I would like the state board to please consider a ceremonial resolution in recognition of the month of the military child in New Jersey. Before I read the resolution, may I please have a motion to consider this resolution in recognition of the
month of the military child in New Jersey. Thank you very very much. May I please have a second? Thank you very much. Appreciate you. Okay. I will now read this and read it the resolution into our record. Whereas the month of
April 2026 has been designated nationally as the month of the military child by the Department of Defense to underscore the important role military children play in the armed forces community. And whereas the New
Jersey State Board of Education and the Department of Education aim to ensure through the policies established that all students are challenged to maximize their potential and to excel academically, socially, emotionally, and physically for college, career, and
throughout life. And whereas the Department of Education encourages school districts to provide support to our students and children of service members as they transition between schools to address their distinct needs and prepare them to graduate as
well-rounded citizens. And whereas the physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and military families is essential to their success and their direct impact on the resilience of military families serving our country. And whereas these efforts
and supports can improve the lives of military children and help pave the way for future generations. And whereas it is both fitting and proper that special recognition be given to ensuring military children feel safe and
supported in our schools and our communities so that their parents can focus on the challenges and missions they face in the line of duty. Now therefore, be it resolved that the New Jersey State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education recognize
April 2026 as the month of the military child in New Jersey. There's a motion on the floor. Is there any discussion at this time? >> President Goldenberg. Um, I I I just want to thank the board. >> I just wanted to thank the board for
recognizing the military child. I think it's so important and their education and well-being should be >> foremost in all of our our hearts and minds. So, thank you for um for reading this resolution.
>> Thank you, board member Bent Barry. I appreciate it. Thank you. Um, are there any other comments? All right. So, uh, there's a motion on the floor. We've had discussion. All those in favor, please signify by
saying I. >> I. >> I. Any abstensions or any opposition? Hearing none, the motion is approved. So on behalf of the state board of education, I will be
presenting this resolution during the month of the military child proclamation signing event on April 1st, 2026 at the Maguire Air Force Base. Um a Dr. Ambrose Duckett, Assistant Commissioner
for the Division of Field Services and Support will also be in attendance. Um, okay. Hearing nothing else. So, we'll go on to the next bullet. Uh, we didn't have any state board committee uh meetings this
month. So, we have no committee reports to share um because there were none in February. And also uh we had school visits which I was very grateful this month state board members and I have had the opportunity to accompany Commissioner Locks on
visits to schools across the state. Um I would like to offer my thanks for Commissioner Locks inviting and for the invitation to host school districts that we visited. Um I got to go to Tinton Falls, Redbank and Newark and we were
warmly welcomed into the schools to observe wonderful opportunities that the children and the students are provided. So we had Thank you for that. It was really good and I loved it. So thank you. And I believe you also went on a trip. >> Yeah, I did.
>> In New York if Thank you. Yeah, we certainly had a wonderful day in the work uh visiting many schools uh some of the early childhood education programs within the district. So, outstanding work that's going on across this district and it was just uh uh great to be in schools seeing
firsthand the great work that our community, our our teachers, our district uh is advancing within uh within the public school systems. tell you if you're having a bad day, the best thing you can do, and I'll quote you even, is going into a school. I think
your favorite was kindergarten, preschool, preschool. But I was very excited about the high school and all the things they're learning and doing. It was it was it's all great, but but it was wonderful. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. And now we'll transition and go to
commissioners reports. >> Thank you. Well, I just again will offer thanks. Um, I know as I mentioned to some board members, if they have not been on a school visit, they will be getting an invite and joining me soon. Um, but incredibly grateful to our school districts and there's some really exceptional things happening throughout the state, which we continue to be excited to highlight. So, with that,
today I request that the state board consider a ceremonial resolution recognizing March as gifted and talented students month in New Jersey. This reflects the state's long-standing commitment to meeting the needs of all learners, including those whose advanced abilities require specialized support.
enriched programming and thoughtful equitable identification. In 2020, the Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Act established clear expectations for how school districts should support gifted and twice exceptional learners, reaffirming the state's commitment to providing
educational opportunities that reflect students advanced abilities. The law along with the ongoing work of the strengthening gifted and talented education advisory committee has helped ensure that policies, identification practices, and instructional approaches
reflect the diversity of New Jersey students and expand access to advanced learning opportunities across all districts. New Jerseys gifted and twice exceptional students bring curiosity, creativity, and a remarkable capacity for innovation to classrooms. When we
nurture their talents, we not only elevate individual potential, but we also strengthen our future, the future of our communities, our workforce, and our state. By recognizing March as the gifted and talented education month, we celebrate the achievements of students,
highlight the importance of rigorous and responsive programming, and elevate the collective work underway to ensure that every learner is seen, challenged, and supported. President Goldenberg, I turn meeting back to you for discussion and to address the procedural components. >> Thank you very much, Commissioner Locks.
Okay. May I please have a motion before we read the resolution? >> Thank you. And a second. Thank you very much. Um would like to um ask We've gotten that. I would like to now ask state board
member Janette Pñena if she would be so kind as to read the resolution of in recognition of the gifted and talented students month in New Jersey. Thank you, President Goldenberg. It would be my pleasure. Thank you. >> Whereas the strengthening gifted and talented education act was signed into
law on January 13, 2020. And whereas shortly thereafter, the New Jersey Department of Education established the strengthening gifted and talented education advisory committee consisting of five subcommittees to address law implementation identification
programming, the intersectionality of cognitive and effective needs and professional development to best identify and serve the needs of gifted students. And whereas the New Jersey Department of Education collaborates with the advisory committee, various New
Jersey education organizations and gifted and talented education experts from across the country to provide technical assistance to educators on how to best support gifted and twice exceptional students. And whereas it is the work of these collaborative efforts
that will support statewide and local education agencies efforts in meeting the needs of gifted and twice exceptional students so they are provided the opportunity to fulfill their academic potential. Now therefore, be it resolved that the New Jersey
Commissioner of Education recognizes the month of March as gifted and talented students month in New Jersey and honors the gifted and talented students of New Jersey as well as their parents, teachers, and school leaders who are working to ensure that our students have
the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. >> Thank you very much. There is a motion and a second on our floor already. Um, is there any discussion at this time? All right. Uh, all those in favor, please signify by saying I.
>> I. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Any any opposed? Please say no or nay. Any abstensions? Hearing? None. The motion is approved. And I would like to please ask Miss
Elaine Chzboroough, president of the New Jersey Association for Gifted and Talented Children and co-chair of the identification subcommittee of the Strengthening Gifted and Talented Education Advisory Committee. You're here today to accept this resolution,
say a few words, and pose for a picture afterwards. So, um I I guess also in the audience is Dr. Lenor Cartina who is the trustee of NJHC you're in the audience so if you'd like to go up also thank you so much please
and you'll have to turn the microphone on by pulling there's a little switch at the top and once it turns green it thank you thank you for recognizing gifted students month on behalf of the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children I
want to say how much we appreciate the leadership this board has given and shown uh for our partnership with um also in conjunction with Crystal Senari um and the department of ed since we passed the 2020 gifted ed law we've seen
a lot of progress more training and guidance for districts clearer expectations and a stronger focus on equitable identification and services for advanced learners at the heart of all of this is our kids. So the purpose
of this work is to make sure that our students with advanced learning needs are seen, understood, and given the opportunity to grow. The law gave us an important foundation. What matters now is continuing to implement it
thoughtfully and consistently so that it truly makes a difference in classrooms across the state. We know that talent exists in every community and across every demographic. Ensuring that gifted ed is accessible,
equitable, and consistently implemented means more students will be recognized and supported in ways that help them thrive. NJAGC remains fully committed to working alongside you and the department to strengthen policy, support districts,
and expand opportunities, always keeping the students at the center of the work. Thank you for your continued leadership and your commitment to New Jerseys learners. >> Thank you. >> Question. >> While they're coming up.
>> No, I just actually just wanted to reach out and thank Crystal Sini at the Department of Ed and share with you some of the great work that's coming out of there. uh her leadership on the advisory committee has produced resources for our districts to provide equitable
identification um and services for gifted students. Uh the learning lounge workshops that she facilitates um have reached many number of districts that otherwise would not have been reached. and she is raising
New Jersey's uh profile um across the nation with her membership on the team for the National Research Center for Advanced Education. She participates on that team and it's going to bring a great identification toolkit resource to
New Jersey. She's helping to develop it and she's bringing it here. So, we really just want to thank the Department of Education, the Board of Education for your continued support of gifted education. Um, thank you. >> While they're coming up, there used to be a program called the Olympics of the
mind. Is that still active? >> Odyssey of the mind. >> Odyssey of the mind. >> Mostly >> still a national program. >> Yes. A lot a lot of districts are. >> And I would assume you're involved in that in some way. >> It's local, right? So the state doesn't
necessarily um run programs like that or state organization, but districts do. >> Thank you. involved guessing. >> Uh back in the Neanderthal days when I worked down at the educational improvement center uh they actually had
a very active program uh related to that and one of the years my next door neighbor's child won the national competition. So I was really impressed with the program. Right. Well, I don't know. I'm getting
there. Thank you very much. >> And now Yes. All right. All right. Good morning again. Um so today I present one candidate for appointment. Um Miss Laura Console, assistant commissioner to the division of legal and external services.
Um I'll just briefly uh you know Laura has been at the department before and we're very grateful for her service. Um so um President Goldberg, I'll return it back to you for the procedural piece, but I'll ask Laura to stand and be recognized. >> Thank you. >> Wait, we didn't vote yet.
Okay. >> Entourage. >> All right. So, um, may I please have a motion to consider the appointment of Laura Console as assistant commissioner for the Division of Legal and External Services?
>> Thank you. May I please have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um all those in favor of the appointment of Laura console the division of legal and external services please signify by saying I. >> I thank you. Any opposed signify by saying
nay. Are there any abstensions? >> The motion the the motion carries. Thank you so much. Congratulations. It's not fast discussion. >> All right. Thank you. Um, so next, since
the October 2025 state board meeting, the executive county superintendents have finalized 37 NJQAC interim reviews for school districts implementing district improvement plans in one or more of the five areas of district
effectiveness and two full reviews of school districts reviewed every 3 years in accordance with NJAC 6A30. I am recommending five of the school districts for certification. Ambrose Ducket, assistant commissioner, and Robert Gregory, executive director
for the Division of Field Support and Services are here to share the list of districts and respond to your questions. >> Thank you, Commissioner, and congratulations on your first official meeting. One of the things you're going to get to know about me is uh I tell a
little story before I present QAC. So, it's been a little while since we presented CUAC scores, which gave me the opportunity to come up with a a pretty decent story that ties into the gifted and talented program. And I want to
explain to the board and to those that are watching my experience with gifted and talented. Uh this past week, uh my son, and I'm very proud of him, Ambrose. He's in Atlantic City for DECA um presentation, but he got awarded at
Princeton for the Princeton Race Relations Award for his work in making and changing the culture of his high school. So, at this ceremony, he got up and he gave a speech. And as a father, I was very proud of him. And after, we got a chance to meet a lot of the graduates
from Princeton. One in particular sought me out and she said, "Ducket, this your last name?" I said, "Yes." She said, "I was a teacher in Willingboro where I graduated from school." And she said, "I remember the name." And I said, "I'm sure you do. I
stood out as a student." And she said, "Oh, no, I don't remember you." She said, "I was a gifted and talented teacher. I remember your sister, Joy. Please send her my regards. Um, but congratulations to you and your son."
So, um I was proud and humbled at the same time. Um we are at the point where we are finally finished our interim reviews and we have five districts for certification and um Commissioner Board President
Goldenberg, if you would allow me, I'm going to read those five districts. Um, three from Gloucester, Winona Burough School District, Elk Township School District, Pitman Burough School District, one from Somerset, Southbound
Brook Public School District, and one from Union Mountainside School District. Those are the five interim districts for certification. the remaining schools were not certified which is very difficult under the district improvement
plan. Um but so they will have to conduct another interim review in six months. So I present those five uh for your approval for certification. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. Um,
so I don't know if um we could I'm hold I just wanted to make I just wanted to make one question so that it was public. How many schools were uncertified in that group? >> There was
32. >> Okay. I thought 30 34 32 Okay. >> 34 34 certified. >> I I do think it's important for the public to recognize. I'm so happy that
five um have been certified. 34 seems like a rather large number of schools that have not met the standard. We have a new commissioner and I'm I'm looking forward to us never having a list that has that many schools that are
uncertified and and those that you know such a small group that that achieved um proficiency. >> Right. I'm going to let uh executive director Gregory address you. Uh >> but before he does, may I I apologize. I
just want to make one very quick uh uh note uh annotation here um to piggy back to what Mary Beth was saying. Um 21 of those districts are within five points and you know I'm always looking at that. So I think it's important we're not
stating the complete question here without adding 21 districts are within five points which I I don't recall ever seeing that before. So >> go ahead. >> Very close. But before you do, >> before we continue with this discussion, which we didn't right rightly get to
yet. So, could I have a motion, please, regarding the five districts at this time? >> Thank you. A second, Mary Bennett. Thank you, sir. Thank you, ma'am. Now, can we have any discussion? Thank you. >> Sure. If I may offer to the board, and
it appears my mic's not working. >> Okay. Uh if I may offer to the board and as board member Pena stated, we've seen a tremendous amount of growth throughout the state of New Jersey. Uh the interim reviews that we have presented to you uh
this morning. The data that was used to conduct the interims did not reflect last year's assessments. Uh we now have new assessment data and next month you will see a shift in the number of
districts that are certified as a result of their continuous growth and also uh some very bold decisions this board made to align our evaluation of uh school districts more to our other accountability systems. placing more
emphasis on growth which fosters continuous uh improvements for district boards of educations and uh chief school administrators throughout the state. So we do anticipate a change uh beginning in the month of April and thank you for your continued support.
>> Thank you. >> Any other questions or comments at this time? I believe Mary Bennett's next and them are still in. What we're looking at is where the the districts continue to need to work to get to the minimum cutoff in IMP. So, as
you said, >> which is instructional program for this >> when you when you get to the 2025 scores and look at it because as uh board member Pinion said, she saw 21 schools that were within five points and
I see 25 schools total that are within 10 points. So when you look at the new scores from 2025, hopefully the needle moves and as uh board member Barry speaks to, we don't have that number of schools and districts that did not meet
the cutoff. So I'm glad that you made the point that this data that you used for this list did not reflect last year. So it will be interesting to see when it comes back to us next month where we may have some districts that moved off of the uncertified and onto the certified.
>> Exactly. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um >> just a question just based on your experiences. I mean >> so so I believe uh you we we've been looking at uh or or or
following the same sort of review process uh I guess roughly 10 to 15 years now. I forget how long. In any case, based on your experiences, I mean, is the uh the parameters or the thresholds that uh
that you review under each of these categories, whether it's IMP or fiscal management, some of the others, is it fit for is it fit for purpose now? I mean it does it continue to provide you with a strong tool to evaluate or do we
need to revisit um the original construct of the ofus act? Uh having managed the office for the past three years, uh we saw a tremendous
amount of opportunity during the regulatory process to update the chapter to ensure that QAC is doing exactly what it's supposed to do uh which is to ensure all school districts are offering students a thorough and efficient
education. So, I do think it is updated appropriately and providing us a nice proxy as to what districts are truly in need of improvement. Good. >> Thank you. Any other questions or
comments for those online? Hearing none. Any Okay. Um, so we have a motion and we have a second. Um, all those in favor please signify by saying I. >> I. >> I.
>> Any oppos. >> Thank you. Any oppose, please signify by saying nay. Are there any abstensions at this time? >> Yes. I, you know, for public record purposes. I lived in Pitman for 35 years. Still didn't show up in many
public records with my address being there and still own a few properties there. So, I am abstaining for the record. Thank you. Uh the motion carries. Thank you. And now we'll go ahead please with item C. >> Right. Thank you.
>> Assistant Commissioner Ducket can stay seated. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> In accordance with state statute and regulation today. I present for discussion the list of religious holidays permitting student absence from school for the 2026 2027 school year. As
in the past, a disclaimer is included within the resolution to address that some dates may vary due to differences in the lunar, Gregorian, and Julian calendars. When adopted, the list of religious holidays will be distributed to school districts, charter schools, and Renaissance school projects and
posted on the department's website. Ambrose Ducket the third, assistant commissioner. Oh, actually, and Robert Greg, maybe are you saying as well? Okay, great. Okay, great. Dean Ambrose, thank you. We'll provide an overview and respond to questions. >> Yes. Uh so just as a reminder, the list
of religious holidays requires school districts to excuse students for religious observance upon written request of the parent or guardian. The list of religious holidays is a resolution annually adopted by you, the
state board of education. And to date, we have added no additional holidays to the 2627 calendar. And with that, I will turn it back over to you and if you want to questions. >> Thank you very much. So, I looked at the
list extensively and there are so many holidays listed, but that it's up to um you know, the parents to let the school know when their students are abiding by that. So, correct. >> So, not all holidays, it looks extensive, but not all holidays are days
out of school. Just so the public knows that. Um, so I don't know if there's any discussion at this point. >> Just curious about how this shows up on student attendance records. >> Just as an excused absence. >> Just as an excuse >> excused absence. Yes. Um, and I I do
want to highlight the diversity of the state just by looking at the holidays. We're a very inclusive state and I'm proud to be a resident of of New Jersey and the fact that we celebrate all students uh regardless of their religion
or their practices. So that is something I want to highlight and do not want to overlook. >> Thank you. Well said. Okay. So, um, we don't vote on it at this time, but it's there. And if, uh, the public wants to
talk, you know, send information in about perhaps other holidays that may be omitted by mistake or anything, please do so. And we will um, we will not vote on this until May. So, you have time. Thank you. Okay. There's not a work
session because we don't have one scheduled. We do have a couple of committee meetings that we'll have hopefully this next month and we'll bring information forward after that. Um, is there any new business by the state board they'd like to bring up? Yes, sir. >> Have one thing since we're here if we
don't point it out. Congratulations to Commissioner Locks on her unanimous appointment uh earlier this month or late last month. >> Um, we're excited to have you and congratulations. That was really, really quick. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, we're looking forward to it very
much. We welcome you. So, um Okay. May I please have a motion to adjourn? >> Thank you. May I please have a second? >> Thank you. All those Is there any anyone wants to add anything? Hearing nothing.
All those in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Thank you. Any opposed, please say nay. Any abstensions? And the motion carries and your first meeting is over. >> Thank you all. Thank you.