Dear Teachers and Instructional Staff,
As we close out the first month of instruction, thank you for the energy and care you have brought to establishing routines, building relationships, and getting to know your students as learners. With that foundation in place, this is a great time to deepen our focus on student thinking.
Independent reading
This year, independent reading will be a key focus across grade levels. When students have regular, protected time to read books they choose, and opportunities to talk and write about what they are reading, they build stamina, vocabulary, background knowledge, and an identity as readers. Conferring with students during this time is also one of the clearest windows into their thinking. Independent reading time should be planned as deliberately as any other part of the lesson.
Everybody Writes
This work extends beyond ELA. In mathematics, students should explain their reasoning and justify their solutions. In science and social studies, they should use evidence to support their ideas. In the arts, world languages, health and physical education, and CTE, students should reflect on their work and use the academic language of the discipline. Brief, frequent writing tasks in every subject help students organize their thinking and give teachers clear evidence of understanding. Just as with reading, students build writing stamina through regular practice. Starting with short, focused writing and gradually increasing the length and complexity over time helps students write with greater confidence and independence.
Support for Your Practice
We want every teacher to feel supported in this work. This year, the Office of Teaching and Learning is offering:
- Coaching Cycles. Each month, different departments will offer professional learning over several days so schools can manage coverage. Each teacher attends one date per cycle, and registration is through the SchoolMint Grow link on the cycle flyer. Department leaders will follow up with announced school visits for on-the-spot coaching, and model teachers will be recognized and featured in our T&L Model Teacher Library.
- Collegial Circles. Beginning Thursday, October 1, every T&L department will hold weekly virtual office hours from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Webex. Drop in with questions, share what is working, or connect with colleagues and content experts. All department links are available at sites.google.com/nps.k12.nj.us/tlconnect-nboe.
Thank you for continuing to create classrooms where students are expected and supported to think deeply, read widely, communicate clearly, and take ownership of their learning.
Teach. Learn. Connect.
Assistant Superintendent Sandra Marques
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