Summer 2023 materialized for me as enjoyable summer days recharging in my newly minted garden.  Growing my fruits and vegetables; providing a variety of healthy and home-grown options for my family; and experiencing my lawn’s enhanced beauty were the best supplements for my mental health. It is my sincere hope that you planted, watered, and/or harvested a new experience this summer. Through exploration, experimentation, and self-discovery, I believe we all learn more about ourselves; thereby, enriching our world, one new experience at a time.

August remains a month of introspection for me as I fondly recall racing thoughts about my preparedness for my newest student body. Teachers are infinitely skilled at helping their students demonstrate growth and assist in the maturation process.  With an ever-growing focus on mental health for every member of our society, I ask you to establish three new self-care goals to track for the next 90 days. Then, in November, evaluate your progress and re-calibrate if you choose. As the 2023-2024 school year officially begins on various dates across New Jersey in August and September, I acknowledge all teachers: those who shared a portion of their summer instructing students, and/or continued enhancing their specialized knowledge, and/or utilized their time to step away to recharge. Your commitment to your vocation is laudable and your service to your students is praiseworthy.

At the New Jersey Department of Education, our goal is to not only prepare students for postsecondary success, but to ensure our teachers have the supports to help them thrive. We have developed guidance and enhanced instructional resources that can help you prepare for the school year. In addition, to strengthen early literacy, we are launching two professional development programs this year, Reading Acceleration Professional Integrated Development (RAPID) and RAPID-Plus, which are designed to bolster foundational literacy in the elementary grades by providing targeted professional development (PD) for educators. The PD opportunities will be available beginning in fall 2023.

It is also important to support our students as they are progressing towards proficiency in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS). We are equally excited about the Standards Transparency and Mastery Platform (STAMP) designed to support educators as they update curricula to implement the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The first resources available on STAMP focus on the 2020 NJSLS. Please visit the Teacher Toolkit throughout the year for the NJDOE Monthly Teacher Newsletter and resources to support you in your instructional delivery.

Wishing you the best start to your school year!

The Office of Standards is designed to promote the implementation of effective standards-based curriculum and evidence-based instructional practices by providing technical assistance, facilitating professional learning experiences, and analyzing relevant research for each area of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS).

Content area specialists build relationships and foster partnerships with state and national organizations, government agencies, and higher education to identify challenges and create resources in support of a well-rounded education for all students. Title II and Title IV program specialists interpret federal guidelines and aid districts regarding the implementation of state initiatives.

Members of the office consider relevant educational policies and regulations and provide guidance to districts and stakeholders as they relate to supporting teachers in their work to prepare students for life beyond high school in an interconnected, global world.

Goals:

• Promote equitable access to evidence-based resources from which to build standards-aligned curriculum, instruction and assessments.
• Provide technical assistance and resources to support the implementation of the NJSLS.
• Engage with stakeholders on a regular basis to gather feedback and develop resources to assist districts with the implementation of the NJSLS.

New Jersey Student Learning Standards

Educators are at the center of the review and revision of the NJSLS. If you are interested in working with the Office of Standards to support fellow educators, please email standards@doe.nj.gov.

The Standards Transparency and Mastery Platform (STAMP)

The STAMP video library provides technical assistance with understanding the mission and vision for each of the core content areas; how the 2020 NJSLS impact teaching and learning; and ways that climate change education, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and learning acceleration can be supported in the content areas.

Contact Us

Office of Standards: standards@doe.nj.gov.