To assist local educational agencies in the submission of proposed plans for emergency virtual or remote instruction, the New Jersey Department of Education recently issued “Local Educational Agency Guidance for Chapter 27 Emergency Virtual or Remote Instruction Programs,” which includes a checklist to identify components that must be included in such a plan.
In an advisory the NJDOE notes that in April 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy signed A-3904 into law (P.L.2020, c.27, or “Chapter 27”), which, in part, requires each school district, charter school, renaissance school project and approved private school for students with disabilities to submit a proposed program for emergency virtual or remote instruction by July 31 annually to the New Jersey Department of Education.
In July 2022, the NJDOE readopted N.J.A.C. 6A:32, School District Operations, with amendments and new rules that include updates to the components of the LEA’s plan. This law provides for the continuity of instruction in the event of a public health-related district closure, by permitting LEAs to utilize virtual or remote instruction to satisfy the 180-day requirement pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:32-13.1 and 13.2.
By July 31 annually, each chief school administrator must submit the LEA’s plan for the next school year, approved by the district board of education or charter or renaissance school project board of trustees, and the completed checklist to the respective county office of education. As a reminder, an LEA must also post the plan prominently on the LEA’s website.
If you have any questions, please contact your county office of education.