This workshop provides early elementary educators with a comprehensive understanding of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) for English Language Arts (ELA) foundational skills. Participants explore the research-based framework of the Science of Reading and its implications for instruction, assessment, and intervention. Through unpacking the standards and engaging in collaborative activities, educators learn to apply best practices that support phonics, phonological awareness, fluency, and early writing development. The session also includes evidence-based instructional strategies and resources to improve student reading outcomes.

• Lack of alignment between current instructional practices and the NJSLS-ELA foundational standards
  
  
• Insufficient integration of evidence-based strategies from the Science of Reading in classroom instruction
  
  
• Inconsistent or ineffective development of foundational reading and writing skills in early elementary students

‍

1. Deep Understanding of Foundational Standards and the Science of Reading
   Educators will develop a clear understanding of how the NJSLS-ELA foundational standards integrate the cognitive science of how children learn to read.
   
   
2. Application of Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies
   Participants will gain hands-on strategies for teaching print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, fluency, and writing skills, including spelling and sentence composition, using engaging activities.
   
   

       3. Standards Unpacking and Practical Implementation
          Teachers will learn how to unpack standards to identify specific learning targets, misconceptions, and supports for diverse learners, enabling them to plan and           differentiate instruction more effectively.