So what are the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS)? Simply put, the NJSLS are a set of educational and grade level expectations for students across all grade levels. At the end of each school year, students should be able to illustrate a mastery of each aspect of the NJSLS. For example, for English Language Arts, the NJSLS are broken down into six strands: Reading Literature, Reading Non-Fiction, Writing, Speaking, Listening, and Viewing. By the end of any given year, grade six for example, students should demonstrate a mastery of all of the skill sets that pertain to the NJSLS for grade six ELA, so that when they start seventh grade they will be ready to work on and master those skills for ELA grade seven.
It is our goal at the Long Branch Middle School to have a clear focus on the standards. Our ELA programs, lessons and assessments, and our professional development are aligned to the NJSLS. This provides a consistent and clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers.
Use the link below for additional resources, including model lesson plans and downloadable resources.