Official Site of The State of New Jersey
New Jersey Department of Education Resources
In response to P.L. 2024, c. 52, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has created several resources to support the implementation of evidence-based reading instruction and a system of universal screening aimed at creating a strong early literacy program that helps students early, fills in skill gaps, and gives them the support they need to succeed.
New Jersey Literacy Framework Guidance
The following documents and resources were developed to support and facilitate evidence-based literacy instruction.
Guide to Evidence-Based Literacy Practices & Universal Screeners
The Guide to Evidence-Based Literacy Practices & Universal Screeners is intended to help school districts develop and implement evidence-based reading instruction and a system of universal screening.
The document provides criteria for selecting a research-based universal screening tool and outlines the steps for establishing a district-wide universal screening process. Using data to inform instruction and intervention is a critical component, and considerations for a full range of learners are discussed to address diverse student needs. The importance of communicating with families is reviewed, and strategies for providing meaningful engagement are included.
Guide to High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM)
The Guide to High-Quality Instructional Materials (HQIM) provides guidance on identifying, selecting, and adopting high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) to support literacy instruction. This document is part two of the New Jersey Literacy Framework. The previous release of part one, The New Jersey Literacy Framework: A Guide to Evidence-Based Literacy Practices & Universal Screeners, is meant to work in tandem with the New Jersey Literacy Framework: A Guide to High-Quality Instructional Materials to provide districts with more detailed support.
High-Quality Instructional Materials, Appendices (Editable Versions)
In the New Jersey Literacy Framework: A Guide to High-Quality Instructional Materials, Appendices A through C.2 were provided as samples. This document provides editable versions of Appendices A through C.2, which serve as tools to assist LEAs with assessing instructional materials.
New Jersey Literacy Framework: Connections to Preschool
The New Jersey Literacy Framework: Connections to Preschool is designed to clarify the connections between New Jersey’s new K–3 literacy legislation, the recently released New Jersey Literacy Framework, and the state’s preschool programs. It provides guidance for aligning instructional practices, screening procedures, and developmental progressions beginning in preschool, ensuring a seamless continuum of support for children’s literacy development.
LEARning Series
These materials can be used at the local school or district level to provide learning opportunities for educators and families. See the descriptions below for additional details.
LEARning about Literacy: Professional Learning Community (PLC) Series
The LEARning about Literacy: Professional Learning Community (PLC) Series was created by the NJDOE to support high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction from preschool through grade six. The eight PLC sessions are intended to be facilitated at the local school level during 40-minute in-person meetings that include facilitator guides, discussion prompts, and classroom application activities. Topics include Phonological Awareness, Phonics & Word Analysis, Fluency, Background Knowledge, Vocabulary, Sentence Comprehension, Coherence Inferences, and Text Structures/Comprehension Strategies.
LEARning about Literacy for Families
The LEARning about Literacy for Families Series was designed to help families better understand how children learn to read—and how to support that learning at home.
This series is part of New Jersey’s statewide commitment to strong, evidence-based literacy instruction, in alignment with P.L. 2024, c.52. It is also closely connected to the training and tools that teachers use in classrooms, so families and educators are working together using the same language, strategies, and goals. This series is designed for parents, guardians, and caregivers of children in preschool through grade 6.