Curriculum

Welcome to the Pennsauken Public School District Office of Curriculum & Instruction.

Our mission is to ensure that every student experiences high-quality, standards-aligned instruction every day in every classroom. We are committed to developing engaging learning experiences that inspire curiosity, promote critical thinking, and prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in college, careers, and life.

The Pennsauken Public School District curriculum is aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Through a comprehensive Pre-K through Grade 12 instructional program, we provide students with rigorous, relevant, and equitable learning opportunities that foster academic achievement, innovation, collaboration, and responsible citizenship.

The Office of Curriculum & Instruction partners with school leaders, teachers, and staff to strengthen instructional practices through curriculum development, professional learning, assessment, instructional coaching, and data-informed decision making. We believe that exceptional teaching is the foundation of student success, and we are committed to providing educators with the resources, support, and professional learning needed to continuously improve their practice. We believe that equity means ensuring every student has access to high-quality instruction, meaningful learning experiences, and the supports necessary to achieve their fullest potential. Our work is grounded in continuous improvement, collaboration, and a shared commitment to instructional excellence.

Together, we are building a culture of achievement where every student is challenged, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Please find links to the Curriculum and Pacing Guides below:

The State of New Jersey defines gifted and talented students as those who "possess or demonstrate high levels of ability in one or more content areas when compared to their chronological peers in the local school district and who require modification of their educational program if they are to achieve in accordance with their capabilities."

The district conducts universal screening at designated grade levels and reviews multiple sources of student achievement and performance data to ensure equitable access to services.

• Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
• New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA), when applicable
• District benchmark assessments
• LinkIt! benchmark and common assessment data
• AIMSweb Oral Reading Fluency
• Classroom performance and grades
• Student work samples
• Teacher observations and recommendations
• Parent/Guardian recommendations
• Additional performance indicators demonstrating advanced achievement or potential

The Gifted & Talented Committee reviews all available data using multiple criteria to determine eligibility for services.

• The Gifted & Talented Committee conducts a comprehensive review of each student's profile.
• Parents and guardians are notified of eligibility determinations during the summer.
• Identified students begin receiving services at the start of the following school year.

Pennsauken Public School District also accepts referrals throughout the school year for students who are newly enrolled or who demonstrate exceptional performance after the universal screening process. Eligibility decisions are based upon a review of multiple data sources and available programming.

• Differentiated instruction within the general education classroom
• Flexible instructional grouping
• Curriculum compacting and enrichment activities
• Weekly pull-out gifted and talented instruction focused on inquiry-based and project-based learning
• Opportunities to develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills

• Differentiated instruction within the classroom
• Advanced and accelerated learning experiences
• Flexible grouping based on readiness and demonstrated achievement
• Dedicated instructional periods emphasizing inquiry, project-based learning, research, innovation, and higher-order thinking
• Opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary learning experiences

• Differentiated instruction within core academic classes
• Honors courses
• Advanced Placement (AP) coursework
• Accelerated learning opportunities
• Independent inquiry and research experiences
• Instruction emphasizing critical thinking, analysis, creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving

Because students develop at different rates, participation in gifted and talented services is reviewed periodically to ensure instructional programming continues to meet individual student needs.

• The Gifted & Talented Committee will conduct a comprehensive review of all available documentation and any additional information provided by the parent or guardian.
• A written response will be provided within thirty (30) calendar days.

If the parent or guardian remains dissatisfied following the committee review, a written appeal may be submitted to the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, who will review the documentation and issue a final district determination.

If the complainant is dissatisfied with the district's determination, an appeal may be filed with the New Jersey Commissioner of Education through the Office of Controversies and Disputes pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:6-9 and applicable State Board of Education regulations.

Title I funding is allocated to schools based on federal guidelines and student needs. These funds are used to enhance educational opportunities beyond the regular instructional program and support our district's commitment to providing equitable access to rigorous, standards-aligned instruction for all students.

How Title I Supports Students

• Additional instructional support and intervention programs
• Extended learning opportunities before school, after school, and during the summer
• Supplemental instructional materials and educational resources
• Professional learning for teachers and school leaders
• Family engagement programs and educational workshops
• Academic enrichment opportunities designed to improve student achievement

These services are intended to help ensure that all students have the opportunity to meet the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and achieve their highest potential.

Family Engagement

Pennsauken Public Schools recognizes that families are essential partners in student success. In accordance with ESSA, the district works collaboratively with parents and caregivers to strengthen home-school partnerships through:

Annual Title I Parent Meetings
Family engagement activities and workshops
Opportunities to participate in the development of school and district Title I plans
Regular communication regarding student progress
Resources that help families support learning at home

The district encourages all families to become active participants in their child's education and to collaborate with teachers and school staff throughout the school year.

Parents' Right to Know

Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), parents and guardians of students attending a Title I school have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child's classroom teachers and paraprofessionals.

• Meets New Jersey certification and licensure requirements for the grade level and subject area taught;
• Is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which state certification requirements have been waived; and
• Holds the appropriate certification for the assigned teaching position.

Parents may also request information regarding the qualifications of paraprofessionals who provide instructional support to their child.

Pennsauken Public Schools is proud to employ highly qualified educators who are dedicated to continuous professional growth and instructional excellence. Our teachers participate in ongoing professional learning and are evaluated in accordance with New Jersey's educator evaluation system to ensure high-quality instruction for every student.

School and District Responsibilities

• Conducts a comprehensive needs assessment
• Develops school and district Title I plans
• Engages families and community stakeholders in the planning process
• Evaluates the effectiveness of Title I programs and services
• Uses student achievement data to guide continuous improvement efforts

Additional Information

For additional information regarding Title I programs or family engagement opportunities, please contact the Office of Curriculum & Instruction.

Families may also learn more about the Every Student Succeeds Act by visiting the U.S. Department of Education's ESSA website.

Right to Know Letter - English
Right to Know Letter - Spanish

Please click on the presentation below to learn more!

Please see the links below for valuable information:

• Khan Academy - Free video Language Arts lessons (and other subjects as well).
• Language Arts Collections 6-8 - Student log in for the Language Arts Textbook for grades 6-8.
• Online Graphic Calculator - Free online graphing calculator.
• Math Video Games - Free online video games based on common core standards for math.
• New Jersey Student Learning Standards

Please see the contact information below for the Pennsauken Public School District Office of Curriculum & Instruction.