N.J. Admin. Code § 6A:13-3.4

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 12, June 17, 2024

Section 6A:13-3.4 - Language arts literacy

(a) Intensive early literacy for grades preschool through three. High need school districts where less than 85 percent of total students have achieved proficiency in language arts literacy on the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) 3 shall provide an intensive early literacy program for preschool to grade three to ensure that all students achieve proficiency on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The intensive early literacy program shall include the following components:

1. An emphasis on small group instruction in at least reading, writing and technology;

2. A comprehensive early literacy assessment program that includes:

i. Assessment of English language learners (ELLs) in accordance with 6A:15-1.3;

ii. A reading measure used minimally at the beginning of grades kindergarten through three to determine the reading skills and strategies students have mastered;

iii. On-going performance-based assessments;

iv. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment of individual students who are exhibiting persistent difficulty in reading following a sustained period of targeted instruction; and

v. An annual end-of-year achievement assessment of reading with a norm-referenced and/or criterion referenced test in grades one and two;

3. At least a daily 90-minute, uninterrupted language arts literacy block in grades kindergarten through three with guidance in the use of that time that may include the following instructional strategies:

i. Use of a reading measure to differentiate student needs;

ii. Small group instruction;

iii. Direct instruction;

iv. Guided reading; and

v. Shared reading;

4. Instructional materials that include concepts and themes from other content areas;

5. Professional development opportunities for teachers that focus on the elements of intensive early literacy, ways to assist students who exhibit persistent difficulty in reading, or other related topics that have been identified by these teachers as professional development needs and are reflected in the school and school district professional development plans pursuant to N.J.A.C. 6A:9-15;

6. Consistent and adequate opportunities for teachers to discuss and analyze student work, interim progress measures and assessment results, and to plan any modifications in grouping and/or instruction that may be indicated, consistent with this section;

7. A classroom library that reflects the diversity and needs of all students and includes assistive technology;

8. Use of a highly skilled literacy coach or certified teacher to coordinate professional development and collaboration based on the school and school district professional development plan, if documented as necessary to increase achievement of early literacy; and

9. Methods to involve parents and family members in student learning.

(b) Intensive literacy for grades four through eight. High need school districts where less than 80 percent of total students have achieved proficiency in language arts literacy on the NJ ASK 8 shall implement an intensive literacy program for grades four through eight that includes the following components:

1. A comprehensive literacy assessment for grades four through eight as part of the school district's curriculum to measure individual and group progress indicated below:

i. Benchmark analysis that gauges students' performance and is used to assist school staff in determining skills that students still need to attain; and

ii. Assessment of English language learners (ELLs) pursuant to 6A:15-1.3;

2. Emphasis on small group instruction with scheduling of double periods, including appropriate classroom materials for small group instruction with evidence-based interventions and additional time for students who are not proficient in language arts literacy;

3. Professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators that are based on effective instructional practices including:

i. Enhancing knowledge of the language arts literacy content and pedagogy to engage all students; and

ii. Learning how and having opportunities to analyze student work and assessment results in a collaborative setting; and

4. Involving parents and family members in student learning.

(c) Language arts literacy for students in grades nine through 12. High need school districts where less than 80 percent of total students have achieved proficiency in language arts literacy on the high school State assessment shall implement a language arts literacy program aligned with college preparatory English I, II, III and IV for grades nine through 12 that incorporates the elements in (b) above with the exception of providing a double period for language arts literacy.

N.J. Admin. Code § 6A:13-3.4

Administrative Change, 48 N.J.R. 1802(a).