Integrating NJSLA into Daily Instruction for Science

This workshop equips science educators with practical strategies for embedding NJSLA-style tasks into daily instruction. Teachers learn how to seamlessly align their science curriculum with NJSLA expectations without abandoning their existing content. The session focuses on understanding the types of NJSLA questions (Technology-Enhanced Items, Constructed Response), integrating formative assessments, and using science and engineering practices to promote deeper student thinking. Special emphasis is placed on methods to support multilingual learners and students with special needs, making standards-aligned instruction both accessible and rigorous.

• Lack of familiarity with NJSLA question formats and performance expectations.
  
  
• Difficulty integrating standardized assessment preparation into ongoing instruction without “teaching to the test.”
  
  
• Challenges in addressing the diverse learning needs of students, particularly multilingual learners and those with special needs.
  
  
• Limited use of data-driven instruction and formative assessment to inform teaching and enhance learning.

1. Understanding and Creating NJSLA-Like Tasks
   Participants will gain the ability to identify, construct, and integrate NJSLA-style questions—including technology-enhanced items and performance tasks—into their regular instruction. This includes constructing tasks that align with science and engineering practices (SEPs), disciplinary core ideas (DCIs), and crosscutting concepts (CCCs).
   
   
2. Embedding Formative Assessment for Continuous Feedback
   Teachers will learn how to implement formative assessment strategies such as exit tickets, do-nows, science notebooks, and other scaffolded activities that support ongoing student evaluation and provide actionable data for instructional decisions.
   
   
3. Differentiation and Support for All Learners
   Educators will explore scaffolding techniques and strategies for supporting diverse learners including multilingual learners and students with IEPs.