Make It Legal

Rosalyn B. Katz of New Jersey, who already has written such books as Start Playing Chess and Chess in the Classroom: A Complete Guide and Play Better Chess, has authored a new book called Make It Legal - Lobby for Chess.

Roz Katz was instrumental in getting the following bill enacted in January 1993.

New Jersey Statute Chapter 35 of Title 18A
Chess in the Schools

Be it enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

1. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. Chess increases strategic thinking skills, stimulates intellectual creativity, and improves problem-solving ability while raising self-esteem;

b. When youngsters play chess they must call upon higher-order thinking skills, analyze actions and consequences, and visualize future possibilities;

c. In countries where chess is offered widely in schools, students exhibit excellence in the ability to recognize complex patterns and consequently excel in math and science; and

d. Instruction in chess during the second grade will enable pupils to learn skills which will serve them throughout their lives.

2. Each board of education may offer instruction in chess during the second grade for pupils in gifted and talented and special education programs. The Department of Education may establish guidelines to be used by boards of education which offer chess instruction in those programs.

3. This act shall take effect immediately.