CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

The primary purpose of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction is to improve student academic achievement by: (1) ensuring alignment of the District’s curricula to State Standards; (2) providing quality staff development that promotes student engagement and academic rigor; (3) conducting data analysis to inform instruction; and (4) monitoring teaching and learning to ensure the alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

Professional Development

The Irvington Public Schools will support the goal of improving student achievement by providing quality professional development that opens the doors to improved teaching and learning through content rich, research-based instructional practices. In-Service days provide the knowledge and skills necessary to refine the craft of our teachers for their work in the classroom. Teachers continue to make paradigm shifts by ensuring that students are provided with multidimensional instruction and assessment; and, our support staff also engage in professional development that provides them with opportunities to contribute effectively to the overall school climate.

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction will continue to strive for academic achievement of all students and increase avenue for students to be successful in the rapidly changing 21st century.

Academic Standards

The New Jersey Student Learning Standards include Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards, as well as nine K-12 standards for the following content areas:

• 21st Century Life and Careers
• Comprehensive Health and Physical Education
• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Technology
• Visual and Performing Arts
• World Languages

The most recent review and revision of the standards occurred in 2014. However, the standards in language arts and math underwent an additional review in 2015 with adoption by the New Jersey State Board of Education in May 2016.