- East Rutherford School District
- Overview
Curriculum Information
-
The New Jersey Student Learning Standards are the foundation of instruction for our academic programs. Curriculum committees made up of teachers and administrators continue to work on updating the curricula based on student needs, improvement of instructional practices as well as state mandates. Beyond the state mandates, the East Rutherford School District’s curriculum seeks to promote inclusive and equitable teaching and learning opportunities for our students. With the appropriate support, our aim is to vigorously challenge our students to fulfill their potential, as we truly believe that all students can succeed.
The following are New Jersey State Legislation which applies to all content areas K-8:
- Amistad K-12 (N.J.S.A. 18A 52:16A-88) Every board of education shall incorporate the information regarding the contributions of African-Americans to our country in an appropriate place in the curriculum of elementary and secondary school students.
Goals
To infuse the history of Africans and African-Americans into the social studies curriculum in order to provide an accurate, complete and inclusive history.
To ensure that New Jersey teachers are equipped to effectively teach the revised social studies core curriculum content standards.
To create and coordinate workshops, seminars, institutes, memorials, and events that raise public awareness about the importance of the history of African-Americans to the growth and development of American society in a global context.
Resources
New Jersey Amistad Commission Interactive Curriculum
New Jersey State Learning Standards- Literature Resources
- Holocaust and Genocide K-12 (N.J.S.A. 18A:35-28) Every board of education shall include instruction on the Holocaust and genocides in an appropriate place in the curriculum of all elementary and secondary school pupils. The instruction shall further emphasize the personal responsibility that each citizen bears to fight racism and hatred whenever and wherever it happens.
Goals
To promote Holocaust/Genocide education and awareness across the K-8 continuum.
To ensure that teachers are equipped to teach and address this mandate effectively and meaningfully.
To create and coordinate events that raise awareness about the Holocaust and genocide education.
Resources
K-4 Holocaust/Genocide Curriculum Guide
5-8 Holocaust/Genocide Curriculum Guide
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
- LGBT and Disabilities MS-HS (N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.35) A board of education shall include instruction on the political, economic, and social contributions of persons with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, in an appropriate place in the curriculum of middle school and high school students as part of the district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning
Goals:
To infuse instruction on the political, economic, and social contributions of persons with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in to the district’s curricula.
To ensure that teachers are adequately equipped to teach and address this mandate effectively and meaningfully throughout all of the content areas.
Resources
Bergen County Diversity Project - Professional Resources
Transgender Student Guidance for School Districts
The Path to LGBTQ Inclusive Curriculum
LGBTQ Education: Books for Educators
- Diversity and Inclusion (N.J.S.A. 18A:35-4.36a): Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, each school district shall incorporate instruction on diversity and inclusion in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12 as part of the district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The instruction shall: (1) highlight and promote diversity, including economic diversity, equity, inclusion, tolerance, and belonging in connection with gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, disabilities, and religious tolerance; (2) examine the impact that unconscious bias and economic disparities have at both an individual level and on society as a whole; and (3) encourage safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all students regardless of race or ethnicity, sexual and gender identities, mental and physical disabilities, and religious beliefs.
Goals:
To foster an inclusive environment where all learners develop an understanding of the value of promoting dignity and respect for all people.
To ensure that schools are safe, warm, and welcoming to all individuals, and to maintain an inclusive environment for all students.
Resources
NJDOE - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Standards, Resources
- Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (§1 C.18A:35-4.44, P.L.2021, c.416): A board of education shall include instruction on the history and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12 as part of the school district’s implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies.
Goals:
To embed within appropriate District programming opportunities to investigate the history and contributions of AAPI individuals.
To provide all staff members with the appropriate training to incorporate materials, resources, and programming to support the AAPI initiative.
Resources
Asian American Education Project
Immigration History Initiative
PBS Asian American Learning Media
South Asian American Digital Archive
District Resources
Diversity and Inclusion Readers - K-5
Social Studies Curriculum Addendum Grades 5-8
Grade 7 ELA Curriculum Addendum
Grade 8 ELA Curriculum Addendum
Additional Resources
The New Jersey Student Learning Standards
New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards
As discussed at the August 25, 2022 Board of Education meeting, we are providing a one-week window to allow for questions related to the curriculum revisions adopted at the meeting. Please use the Google Form to submit your questions. The District will follow up based on parental feedback. Thank you for your continued collaboration and support.
