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The 2009 Core Curriculum Content Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, Science, Technology, 21st Century Life and Careers, Visual and Performing Arts, and World Languages were adopted at the June 2009 State Board Meeting. The remaining content areas, Language Arts Literacy, Math and Social Studies, are slated to be adopted in late summer or early fall. New Jersey is one of 49 states and territories to have signed on to participate in the Common Core Standards Project. The core curriculum content standards include:
- Integration of 21st Century Knowledge and Skills by incorporating a strong emphasis on technology integration, interdisciplinary connections, and infusion of global perspectives
- Incorporation of 21st Century Themes: Global Awareness; Financial, Economic, Business and Entrepreneurial Literacy; Civic Literacy; and Health Literacy
- Emphasis on the development of skills needed in contemporary real world situations
- Inclusion of “timely" content coupled with upgrades in skills and more in-depth learning at higher levels to meet the goal of preparing students for success in a global environment.
- (See http://www.state.nj.us/education/news/2009/0325ie.htm for additional information.)
Resources to support the implementation process include: classroom applications documents, interdisciplinary project-based learning scenarios, unit design exemplars for each core curriculum content area at the 6-12 level, an interactive website to be unveiled in November, and a three-year systemic professional development plan.
In March 2009 New Jersey was awarded the Asia Society’s 2009 Goldman Sachs Foundation Prize for Excellence in International Education by a state. In June 2009, the Department of Education was recognized at the Partnership for 21st Century Skills National Summit for Creating 21st Century Standards. Also in June 2009, Commissioner Lucille Davy hosted a Webinar Entitled “Creating 21st Century Schools” as part of the Cyber Summit on 21st Century Skills hosted by the national Partnership for 21st Century Skills. (See http://www.state.nj.us/education/news/2009/0608web.htm for additional information.) New Jersey has also created a model for high school reform in world languages Building a Linguistically and Culturally Competent Workforce that includes a 4-year pilot program, 12 districts, professional development, data informed instruction, self evaluation and incentives.
Contact information: Cheri Quinlan mailto:cheri.quinlan@doe.state.nj.us
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