Infusing NJ Curriculum Mandates into Instruction

Starting September 2022, all schools in NJ are expected to include the history of disabled and LGBTQ+ persons in their curriculum in grades 6-12 and in all content areas. Holocaust, Amistad, prejudice and bigotry are also expected to be integrated into the curriculum in grades K-12 (since 1994!). In my role as Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, I continually attend workshops on implementing the LGBTQ+ standards across our curriculum, and will continue to edit and infuse as more resources become available. Infuse is the operative word, and it is an ongoing process.

For example, in a lesson on Colonial America, students can learn that anti-gay laws were prevalent and enforced. In a lesson on Civil Rights, as well as covering MLK Jr, students can learn how women's rights, the rights of migrant workers, and LGBTQ+ rights were a part of the conversation. While reading Number the Stars, Night, or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (just examples), students will not only learn about the Holocaust and genocide, but also about discrimination of those with disabilities, religious intolerance, and LGBTQ+. Word problems in math will be re-written to be inclusive of pronouns and relationships. In Science, including discoveries, inventions, and exploration by marginalized groups will become the norm.

While LGBTQ+ and disabled person's history is not yet mandated in K-5 in NJ, it is mandated that we teach about diversity and inclusion. We will continue to bring awareness of intolerance, prejudice, racism, bullying, and bigotry through the texts we choose for students. An example of choosing an inclusive text would be replacing a Henry and Mudge title with Jabari Jumps or Julian at the Wedding. We will move towards replacing our typical studies of Christopher Columbus in October with a discussion of the sacrifices and contributions of indigenous people. Fourth grade's study of New Jersey lends itself perfectly as a springboard for researching native American tribes and their contributions to our society.

I applaud the steps New Jersey is taking in its journey towards promoting equitable, high quality instruction for all. I’m proud to work in a state that promotes individualism and acceptance.