CREATIVITY * HIGH EXPECTATIONS * COMMITMENT * COLLABORATION
In September of 2012, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) launched the NJ GEAR UP Curriculum Development Initiative (CDI) to support NJ GEAR UP programs throughout the state in developing and implementing a college readiness curriculum that promotes effective instruction for low-income students within a precollege setting.
Dr. Joy Barnes-Johnson, curriculum development consultant for NJ GEAR UP, has worked with GEAR UP directors, instructors, counselors, and staff to build a strong understanding of the Common Core Standards, effective instructional practices, and data-driven instruction. Through a series of regional workshops, on-site classroom observations, in-class coaching, online instructional webinars, continuous feedback, and assessment development, OSHE/NJ GEAR UP has implemented the COMPASS teaching framework. Based on the work conducted by Robert Marzano (High Impact Teaching Strategies), Roger Bybee (5E lesson planning), and Norman Webb (Depths of Knowledge), COMPASS teaching consists of the following observable characteristics–(C) community relevant, (O) organized, (M) meaningful tasks, (P) previewed activities, (A) academic habit forming, (S) skill building, and (S) student-interest motivated. These instructional characteristics promote college readiness for all students.
The Curriculum Development Initiative (CDI) aims at supporting NJ GEAR UP teachers, counselors, and staff as they work to increase college readiness skills to help low-income students enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
Develop and implement a college readiness curriculum:
Guide GEAR UP program staff in the development and implementation of a college readiness curriculum for the 20-week academic year component and 6-week summer program.
Professional development:Provide a comprehensive professional development program for NJ GEAR UP staff, curriculum specialists, teachers, counselors, and mentors. Training will include but is not limited to:
If you would like to join the NJ GEAR UP Professional Learning Community (PLC) available on Edmodo, please contact Dr. Joy Barnes-Johnson at drjoybjohnson@gmail.com or 215-207-STEP to join today!
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the NJ GEAR UP Curriculum Development Initiative, please contact:
Sarah Carangelo at sarah.carangelo@oshe.nj.gov or
Dr. Joy Barnes-Johnson at drjoybjohnson@gmail.com or 215-207-STEP