Transformational Learning Opportunities:

Virtual & Online Schooling:

• New Jersey does not provide a statewide virtual school, but many of its districts offer online schooling options. The New Jersey Virtual School offers supplemental course options for students grades 6 -12. 

• Impressively, New Jersey is home to 9 school districts that are members of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools. The League of Innovative Schools is a national network of school leaders in 150 districts in 38 states that aim to enhance and scale digital learning opportunities for students across the nation.

Digital Learning Resources:

• The New Jersey Department of Education’s website and the New Jersey Digital Learning and Assessment Portal offers resources on educational technology planning, digital tools, and information on state organizations for educators to join. 

• Gov. Phil Murphy enacted a law in 2023 mandating digital & informational literacy training for K-12 students in all public schools, making it the first state in the nation to learn about the ways information is produced and disseminated throughout and across the internet. 

• Curious about your district’s internet access? ConnectK-12 provides state- and district-specific information on access to the recommended bandwidth speeds and monthly internet costs. 

Career & Technical and/or Work-based Education:

• Dual enrollment and CTE are encouraged by the state’s DOE. According to the state, there are approximately 77,000 secondary students participating in CTE career pathways aligned to New Jersey’s key industries, such as Construction & Energy, Finance, Health Care, Technology, Manufacturing, and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics.

• In the 2022 legislative session, the Innovation Schools Act was enacted, granting innovative schools flexibility and autonomy in curriculum, budget management, policies, and more. As of 2023, it appears that there are no innovative schools established.