Program Updates
Sustainable Jersey for Schools continuously reviews its program content, standards, and user feedback to ensure actions reflect current best practices. Guided by task forces and the Certification Standards Committee, we roll out updates throughout the year and post them regularly on this page.
2026 Retired Actions
- Community Engagement
- Professional Growth and Collaboration
2028 Retiring Actions
These actions are set to retire on August 31, 2028. Since the certification cycle is paused for 2027, this will allow for points to be earned for these actions in the next certification cycle.
- Data Safety & Security Policy: The new Data Governance & Access Framework action is a replacement for this action. Districts applying for certification in 2028 can earn points for EITHER action but not both.
- Access to Healthy Water in Schools
2026-2027 New Actions
Digital Technology Access
Data Governance & Access Framework: 20 Points
This action awards points to districts for establishing a formal Data Governance Committee and a Board-approved Data Safety and Security Policy that defines data management responsibilities, data quality standards, and procedures for accessing, storing, sharing, and protecting student and staff data. Districts earn points by maintaining evidence such as board-approved policies, a Data Governance Committee charter, and supporting documentation of implementation.
2026-2027 Action Updates
Digital Learning Leadership
Equitable Access to Digital Learning: 10, 15 Points
The updated Equitable Access to Digital Learning action expands its focus to address both hardware access and digital literacy across identified student groups. Under the revised guidelines, districts must collect and analyze data to pinpoint specific barriers to digital access (including devices and reliable internet connectivity) as well as gaps in digital skills. To earn base points, districts are required to submit concrete evidence demonstrating that active measures are reducing these identified barriers and literacy disparities for target populations. Additionally, districts can earn an extra 5 points by providing a narrative reflection that details how the district evaluates, narrows, and sustains its long-term efforts to eliminate digital access and skill gaps.
Previous Program Updates
View Sustainable Jersey for School's Previous Program Updates to learn more about the modifications made in the past.