Advancing Equity in Schools: Activities to Date

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Since its founding in 2014, Sustainable Jersey for Schools has held increasing access to resources and opportunity for all students as integral to the holistic vision of building a sustainable future. By implementing actions in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools program, schools and school districts across the state have made a significant impact in creating learning environments where everyone has what they need to succeed—within schools and in the community.

The Digital Schools Program was created in June 2020 to integrate new content that strengthens support for schools in meeting the challenges of digital learning. Certified schools are eligible to pursue the new Digital Schools Star recognition, which represents a commitment by districts and schools to assess current practices and implement effective and sustainable uses of digital tools, content, and strategies.

The new Digital Schools program empowers New Jersey public schools to address a major barrier to student success by helping narrow and bridge economic and racial gaps in educational outcomes associated with the “digital divide,” through actions such as Equitable Access to Digital Learning and Digital Citizenship.

In addition, Sustainable Jersey for Schools provides added support to districts serving student populations with a wide range of needs and circumstances, recognizing that schools begin with different levels of capacity and access to resources. The program offers targeted outreach and technical assistance to help schools implement actions, pursue grant funding, and achieve certification so that all students can benefit from program participation.