Under a bill approved Monday by the state Senate Education Committee, up to 25 New Jersey school districts would receive a state grant for a three-year pilot program to expand learning time. Senate Bill 2087 and its companion, Assembly Bill 1391, would create a three-year pilot program to allow a limited set of school districts to innovate by expanding their school schedules. The bills would also create a corporate tax credit program that would help finance the additional expenses that the participating districts would face, including compensation for teachers and staff. The passage of this bill has the potential to open the door to meaningful expanded learning time reforms across New Jersey.

The New Jersey Assembly is currently considering Assembly Bill Number 1391, which would expand learning time in up to 25 school districts across the state. The bill would provide $144 million to fund this work over the next 3 years. This bill comes at an incredibly important moment - we are seeing a wave of momentum across the country in support of expanding learning time. Passage of this bill would be a major victory for students in New Jersey.