Focus on Alignment

The NGVSZ/NJ After 3 Expanded Learning Time initiative is in its third month of operation, and all programs should be focused on aligning curricula with not only NJ CCCS, but also school-specific curricula. This 2006 report by the Harvard Family Research Project pointed to four key steps in the process of alignment:

• Strategic Staffing: School day staff, from paraprofessionals to school aides, staffed this OST program.
• Focus on Communication: From homework completion logs to inclusion of OST staff in school day planning sessions, the most successful programs have been intentional about their communication protocols and systems.
• Aligning Content: Time and resources were dedicated to developing an afterschool curriculum that not only addressed the broad state standards, but aligned with the school's curriculum maps.
• Professional Development: The school and the OST provider intentionally created opportunities for shared professional develop, in addition to the traditional PD provided by the OST provider.

Find more information and resources related to alignment here.

Don't forget - your Program Officer is excited to accept your posts. Do you have a curriculum that you've already aligned? Pictures from a great collaborative activity? Contact your NJ After 3 Program Officer today!