1. Amendments to N.J.A.C. 6A:7 Managing for Equality and Equity in Education

2. Purpose of the Chapter The rules provide standards governing equality in educational programs to guarantee each student equal access to all educational programs, services and benefits of the school district regardless of his or her race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender, religion, disability or socioeconomic status.

3. Highlights of Substantive Changes All of the proposed amendments in the current rulemaking are to correct statutory or Administrative Code citations, to provide clarity, or for stylistic or grammatical improvement: Amend the purpose to ensure the current version of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) is referenced. Delete common definitions. Amend the definition of “Achievement Gap” to reflect the change in focus to the school level. Delete references to the Quality Assurance Annual Report (QAAR) as this report no longer exists. Remove the September 30, 2003, deadline to complete a comprehensive equity plan as the deadline has passed.