Curriculum Overview

  • Click on this link to view the Chester School District Curricula via Atlas. Additionally, you can access curriculum by grade level or subject area via the links on the left-hand side of this webpage.  

    Thank you for visiting the Chester School District Curriculum Page.  All of our administrators and teachers have been very busy over the last few months updating our many district curricula according to the new State of New Jersey’s 2020 New Jersey Student Learning Standards in the following areas:

    • Social Studies (currently available)
    • Science (currently available)
    • Comprehensive Health and Physical Education (currently available)
    • Visual and Performing Arts (coming August 2022)
    • World Languages (coming August 2022)
    • Computer Science and Design Thinking (coming August 2022)
    • Career Readiness, Life Literacies and Key Skills (coming August 2022)
    • English Language Arts (updated 2016)
    • Mathematics (updated 2016)

    The following is a thorough, clear and concise description of the standards from the Department of Education's web page (NJDOE, 2022).

    Building on a robust body of research, the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) provide clear and consistent learning goals across nine distinct content areas to help prepare students for postsecondary success. The standards clearly demonstrate what students are expected to learn at specific grade levels and bands, so that every parent and teacher can understand and support student learning.   

    The standards draw on national and international models, as well as research and input from numerous sources, including educators from kindergarten through college, scholars, assessment developers, professional organizations, parents and students, and members of the public. Refined through successive drafts and extensive feedback, the standards represent a synthesis of the best elements of standards-related work in New Jersey to date. They offer the foundation on which districts build coherent curriculum and plan instruction to prepare each New Jersey student with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in our rapidly changing world.  

    The Office of Standards actively supports the effective implementation of the NJSLS by offering customized professional learning experiences, developing resources specific to the needs of New Jersey schools, and providing guidance based on current and relevant educational research, policies and regulations. Content area specialists foster partnerships with state and national organizations, government agencies and higher education to identify challenges and create resources in support of a well-rounded education for all students. Members of the office proudly support educators in their work to prepare students for life beyond high school in an interconnected, global world. 

    The most recent review and revision of the standards occurred in 2016 for Math and English Language Arts.  For the other seven academic areas, the most recent review and revision occurred in 2020.  Local school districts were given until September 2022 to fully implement the new standards due to a pandemic delay.

    The administrators and teachers of the Chester School District are committed to writing, researching, and producing curricula in all subject areas that are aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Curriculum is designed to be a living document – added to, edited, and enhanced at any time.  Standing committees of teachers and administrators meet on a routine basis to monitor the effectiveness of our curricula.  The process used by the educators of the Chester School District is rigorous and reflective in examining all facets of the foundational documents, upon which our curriculum is based, to ensure for this alignment.  New curriculum documents are written around any disconnect found between the two. 

    In all curriculum writing, particular emphasis is given to employing the most current, research-based instructional and assessment strategies available at the time.  These strategies are continually updated and refined as new knowledge and pedagogy becomes widely accepted and proven successful in the field of education.

    Learn more about our K-5 ELA programming by clicking here. 

    Learn more about our K-5 Math programming by clicking here. 

    Please check our Department of Curriculum and Instruction Page on a periodic basis.  Information will be updated routinely and new curriculum documents will be added as written and approved.  For any questions, please contact Dr. Christina Van Woert, Superintendent of Schools/Director of Curriculum at (908) 879-7373 or christina.vanwoert@chester-nj.org. 

    Thank you for your continued interest in the Chester School District.