NJ: Lawmakers Mull Extending Special Education Eligibility for Older Students
March 14, 2021
Under a proposal being considered by New Jersey lawmakers, schools would be able to provide special education services for an additional year beyond what is required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. By maintaining eligibility for students through the age of 22, as would be done by the bill, schools could address many of the unique needs and concerns of students who receive special education services, especially considering that many families say their students’ progress has stalled during a year of virtual instruction. Though most officials say extended services are likely needed, some are questioning if schools would be able to identify and anticipate additional costs associated with the move, which some school leaders say could add hundreds of thousands of dollars to annual budgets.