Learning Links
Learning Forward New Jersey Newsletter - December 2024
Exciting News: We’ve Been Awarded a Learning Forward Foundation Grant!
The Learning Forward NJ Affiliate has been honored with the Dale Hair Affiliate Development Grant, which will provide valuable opportunities for learning and growth within our community! On December 9, 2024, LFNJ president, Peggy Stewart will proudly accept this award on behalf of Learning Forward New Jersey during the “Lighting the Path for Educational Excellence: Past, Present, Future” event at the Learning Forward Conference in Denver.
With the award, Learning Forward NJ will strengthen the board and community by providing board members with leadership tools, promoting deep professional learning in best practices, and enhancing collaboration with partners and members.
Spotlight on Board Member: Kim Tucker
Kim’s After twenty years of teaching in New Jersey and eleven years in administrative positions, Kim retired from public school education on June 30, 2020. Kim currently serves as an adjunct professor of Early Childhood Education at Stockton University and works as a professional learning consultant for NJPSA and ETTC, providing workshops and support on various topics such as The Science of Reading, Intervention and Referral Services, Maximizing Co-Teaching Models, and Enhancing the Mentoring Process. Kim’s extensive experience includes being a former member of the New Jersey Professional Teaching Standards Board and past president of Learning Forward New Jersey, through which she engages with teachers and administrators across the state to promote high-quality, job-embedded professional learning. Kim’s enthusiasm for professional learning and collaborative engagement has positioned her as a respected leader in New Jersey's educational community. In her free time, Kim supports community theatre as a stage manager and director.
New Jersey Affiliate "Chat and Chew"
Empowering Educators: Effective and Responsible Use of AI in the Classroom
How can the use of AI lead to a better learning experience?
Navigate the AI landscape in education with confidence using Leon Furze’s ‘Al Assessment Scale.’ This session introduces a practical traffic framework that helps educators make informed decisions about AI use in their classrooms. Learn to distinguish between ‘green light’ AI applications that enhance learning, ‘yellow light’ tools that require careful consideration, and ‘red light’ cases when you as the educator do not want students using AI. Through an actual classroom example and guided discussion, discover how this protocol can help you integrate AI thoughtfully and ethically while maintaining academic integrity. Join us to gain clarity on when and how to leverage AI to create more meaningful learning experiences for your students.
Professional Learning is Key to Improving Reading - The Learning Professional
The Science of Reading Explained
By Cindy Jiban, NWEA
February 15, 2024
What is the science of reading?
The science of reading is the converging evidence of what matters and what works in literacy instruction, organized around models that describe how and why.
One research study does not make a science. In early literacy alone, tens of thousands of studies have been published, and some even show results that are at odds with one another. For educators to be able to consume research meaningfully, we need to look for a convergence of evidence. When many well-designed studies point to a similar result, we should pay attention.
To read the entire blog, click on:
Blog Post: The Science of Reading Explained
Research
- The renowned Florida Center for Reading Research has printable research-to-practice student center activities for pre-kindergarten to fifth grade. Many could be used at home, too.
- The Institute of Education Sciences has developed a website for families called Supporting Your Child’s Reading at Home. It is packed with information, activities, and video examples for supporting children in kindergarten through third grade. Their What Works Clearinghouse has two teacher guides for early literacy: one focuses on foundational skills and the other on reading comprehension.
Where you can find more information:
For more on the science of reading from NWEA, see “The science of reading and balanced literacy: What you need to know,” Everything you need to know about the science of reading, and The science of reading for leaders: Helping your teachers shift instructional practice.
Learning Forward New Jersey
Mission Statement
Learning Forward NJ builds the capacity of educators to implement and support professional learning to equitably serve all students, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
Learning Forward New Jersey Membership Options
Learning Forward New Jersey is excited to offer two membership options for educators: Standard and Advantage.
The Learning Forward New Jersey Standard Membership is free! This membership gives you access to our quarterly newsletters and email invitations to upcoming events.
The Learning Forward New Jersey Advantage Membership costs just $15. This membership allows access to a shared folder of resources, discounted early registration to our annual conference, invite-only events, and a digital badge for your email signature. Advantage Members are also eligible for yearly honors and rewards. This membership can be obtained in two ways. Click here to complete the membership form and directions for where to send your form and payment. Or, choose Learning Forward New Jersey as your affiliate when you renew your membership with Learning Forward.
Email: learningforwardnj@gmail.com
Website: nj.learningforward.org
Location: New Jersey, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LearningForwardNewJersey
X/Twitter: @LearnForwardNJ
