At its monthly meeting, the New Jersey State Board of Education heard updates and took action on the following items:
Educator Evaluation—The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) proposed changes to educator evaluation regulations, including a reduction of the weight assigned to whether teachers achieve student growth objectives known as SGOs.
Under the proposed changes, the amount that student growth objectives contribute to a teacher’s overall evaluation, in tested subject areas, would be reduced to 15%. They currently account for 25%.
The State Board approved the proposal for publication in the NJ Register for comment by stakeholders. Comments may be sent to chapter10@doe.nj.gov.
Career and Technical Education Month–The State Board passed a resolution recognizing February as Career and Technical Education Month. The State Board recognized that career and technical education programs deliver real-world skills and hands-on experience for students, an opportunity to earn college credit, industry certifications and work-based learning while in high school, and a chance to explore career options.
Jersey City—The State Board heard an update on the Jersey City’s transition to local control. The district continues to make progress and is currently scheduled to return to full local control in October 2020 if required benchmarks are met.
Department Personnel and Organization—The State Board approved the following personnel appointments and approved a new organizational chart:
- Katherine Gallagher, deputy assistant commissioner, Division of Field Services
- Daryl Minus-Vincent, deputy assistant commissioner, Division of Field Services
- Maris Henson, director, Office of District Intervention and Support
- Kimberley Friddell, director, Office of Preschool Education
- Vanessa Lawson, director, Office of Civic and Social Engagement
- Jennifer Killough-Herrera, director, Office of Controversies and Disputes
Acceptance of Donated Funds—The State Board agreed to accept a donation of $55,000 from the Council of Chief State School Officers. The donated funds will provide NJDOE with the resources to support early learning classrooms.
NJ Student Learning Standards—The State Board discussed a resolution updating the N.J. Student Learning Standards. The updates will affect visual and performing arts, comprehensive health and physical education, science, social studies, technology, world languages, and 21st Century life and careers. Climate change will now be included in the standards. Additionally, the standards will be updated to include requirements of recent laws concerning computerscience and financial literacy.
Cut-off Scores for High School Equivalent Assessments—The State Board discussed the cut-off scores for the three different assessments that the state uses to grant diplomas for adult education. The changes will align New Jersey’s cut-off scores with those of other states.