Ahead of the Curve: Getting Started with the NJSLS-ELA and NJSLS-Math

This interactive workshop embeds educators in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics across grades K–12. Participants explore content structure, expectations, and mandates with a focus on improving instructional rigor and responsiveness. The session provides educators with tools and strategies to align curriculum with standards, including foundational reading and writing skills, language development, and data literacy in mathematics. Special attention is given to state mandates.

• Lack of awareness and understanding of NJSLS-ELA and Math standards
  
  
• Outdated instructional strategies misaligned with current literacy and numeracy expectations
  
  
• Insufficient integration of digital literacy, interdisciplinary connections, and cultural responsiveness in curricula

1. Understand and Apply Key Shifts in ELA and Math Standards
   Participants will learn how the standards structure foundational skills in reading, writing, and language, as well as refined math domains like Data Literacy. Emphasis is placed on scaffolded learning, multimodal texts, and accurate/efficient problem-solving in mathematics.
   
   
2. Integrate Mandated Curriculum Themes with Confidence
   Educators will explore how to embed required elements like climate change content, contributions of African Americans (Amistad Law), and Holocaust/genocide education into their instructional planning through authentic, interdisciplinary activities.
   
   
3. Enhance Instructional Practices for 21st Century Classrooms
   Through hands-on analysis of updated standards, educators will develop strategies to incorporate digital tools, culturally and linguistically responsive practices, and critical thinking skills, ensuring students are equipped for modern communication, analysis, and problem-solving challenges.