^{Inaugural Issue: Department of Education ‘The Bridge’}

^{Department Introduces Monthly Newsletter
Welcome to the inaugural edition of “The Bridge”, a newsletter for educators from the New Jersey Department of Education. Why the name? We hope that this newsletter will serve as a bridge between the NJDOE and educators across the state and provide valuable information and resources to help educators in the classroom.}

^{The Bridge will be a monthly resource for educators to find out the latest information from the NJDOE on a number of educational issues including policy considerations and changes, statewide initiatives and NJDOE programs. We will also highlight best practices, award winning educators and successful models in districts and schools around the state. Finally, we will provide you with some links from the NJDOE to provide useful resources and relevant news articles to keep you abreast of the most recent information about public education.}

^{As we each work in our respective roles to advance public education in New Jersey we recognize we are united in purpose to provide the best education for our students. We hope you find this new resource beneficial.
Message from the Commissioner  
The last two years have brought a number of changes to New Jersey schools. Educators across the state are implementing the Common Core State Standards, which redefine the knowledge and skills our students need in reading and math at each grade level. At the same time, districts are developing new educator evaluation systems, outlined in the recently passed TEACH NJ Act, that are based in part on a two year statewide pilot designed to help all educators continuously improve their practice. The state has received flexibility from NCLB by developing a new school accountability system designed to give the large majority of high-achieving schools additional flexibility while focusing our supports and interventions to our lowest-performing schools. In addition, the state is undertaking a deregulatory effort to provide districts and educators the opportunity to craft their own path to success while holding all schools accountable for results.}

^{These are all significant changes, and we are committed to providing support to each of you to meet each of these challenges head on. One way we have done that is by completely reorganizing the state Department of Education around our four main building blocks of reform – academics, talent, performance, and innovation – to make sure we are focused on what matters most.}

^{Today, we are launching this newsletter to provide information directly to you about state initiatives and available resources to help all New Jersey students, regardless of zip code, graduate from high school ready for college and career.}

^{I hope that you find this information helpful. The newsletter also includes information about how you can reach out to us directly with questions.}

^{Educators are the heart and soul of our schools and our state. There are few professionals that are more passionate, dedicated, and hard-working than educators, and yet too often your work goes unrecognized as you develop the young minds that will become our future leaders. I want to thank you for the work you do every day with our students, and I look forward to the start of this dialogue with you.}

^{Best Regards,}

<sup>Chris Cerf

Go view the Education Spotlight page for additional information. Download the PDF version of the newsletter.</sup>

^Articles:

^{· Tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary}

^{· Hurricane Sandy - Jersey Proud, Jersey Strong}

^{· Evaluation Update}

^{· 2013 NJ State Teacher of the Year}

^{· Common Core Q&A}

^{· Dear Ed}

^{· In the News… Local, State and National Education News}

^{Contact Us}

^{Do you have ideas, information, or pictures you would like to submit? For comments, concerns, questions or feedback, contact us at: thebridge@doe.state.nj.us}

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