The State Board of Education gathered this week for its monthly meeting at the Riverview Executive Plaza in Trenton — a brisk fall morning with a full agenda and a marked focus on student learning standards.
This month, the Department of Education presented draft revisions to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) in two key subject areas: Career Readiness, Life Literacies and Key Skills, and Science. These updates represent the first round of what will be a comprehensive review of the state’s academic standards — a process that invites educator, community and stakeholder input.
At the December 3 meeting, the Department plans to present additional draft revisions in Computer Science and Design Thinking, World Languages, Visual and Performing Arts, and the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards. The meeting will be open to the public and also livestreamed on the New Jersey Department of Education YouTube channel live.
Opportunities to Weigh In
Once the full set of revisions has been presented, the State Board will hold three regional public hearings early next year to gather feedback from educators, parents, and community members.
- Southern Region: Camden County College (Blackwood) – Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 11 AM
- Northern Region: Essex County Donald M. Payne Jr. School of Technology (Newark) – Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 6 PM
- Central Region: NJ Department of Education, Trenton – Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 1 PM
Members of the public can register to speak via the registration link on the NJDOE website or by calling the Office of the State Board of Education at (609) 376-9071.
Recognizing Excellence and Service
The State Board also took a moment to celebrate several outstanding contributions to New Jersey’s education community:
The Board adopted a Resolution in Recognition of Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Membership Month, commending the hardworking individuals and members serving in their local, State, and national roles in the PTA.
The Board also adopted a Resolution in Recognition of New Jersey’s 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools including:
- Exemplary High Performing Schools:
Bergen County Technical High School – Teterboro
Mansion Avenue School, Audubon
Ridgewood Avenue School, Glen Ridge
Liberty High School, Jersey City
Littlebrook Elementary School, Princeton
Hatikvah International Academy Charter School
Indian Hill School, Holmdel
The Elisabeth Morrow School, Englewood
Our Lady of Czestochowa School, Jersey City - Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing:
Ventnor Elementary School, Ventnor - Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing:
Roosevelt School, Lodi
The New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association congratulates these exemplary schools for their recognition as 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools
Additional Board Action
The State Board also received a presentation from the NJDOE Division of Finance and Business Services and subsequently voted to approve amendments to N.J.A.C. 6A:27, Student Transportation to align the chapter with recent changes to State law.
The Board also received a presentation from the NJDOE Division of Teaching and Learning Services and subsequently voted to approve for publication in the New Jersey Register amendments to N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-7.5, 14.3, and 14.4, which add a valid multistate registered professional nurse license issued by a state participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) as an acceptable credential for required professional licensure.
There was no public testimony this month, as no topics were scheduled. The next “Open Topic” public testimony session will be held on January 7, 2026, offering individuals an opportunity to share input on any education-related issue. If you are interested in testifying before the State Board about a topic important to you, NJPSA will work with you to both prepare and present your testimony.
As always, NJPSA’s Government Relations team will continue to follow State Board action closely and keep you informed. For more information, visit the New Jersey Department of Education website or contact us directly with any questions.