[1][2] The department is responsible for ensuring that local schools comply with state and federal laws and regulations.

It also oversees pupil transportation services and directs education programs for adults and for persons who are handicapped, disadvantaged or foreign-born.

The department administers assessment tests to public school students to monitor academic progress.

The department is headquartered in the Judge Robert L. Carter Building, which has most of the DOE offices, in Trenton; other facilities in Trenton with DOE offices include 1001 Spruce Street and the Mary Roebling Building, which has the facilities division on the 14th Floor, at 20 W. State Street.

The main roles of the commissioner include legislative suggestions and initiatives for improving the public schools, which must be approved by the state board.

In order to open a charter school, one must fill out an application, which can be found on the NJ DOE website.

[2] The New Jersey Department of Education has implemented several programs to ensure that effective policies are in place to prevent and address harassment, intimidation, and bullying in NJ schools.

[2] The website also provides more information about Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Abuse, Suicide Prevention, Codes of Student Conduct, Gangs, Dropouts, Unsafe School Choice Option Policy, and much more.