Welcome to the captivating world of literature, where turning a page can transport you to uncharted territories, provide fresh perspectives, and promote positive social-emotional skills, all contributing to your overall well-being. Imagine immersing yourself in a mesmerizing novel, such as "How the Garcia Sisters Lost their Accent," and becoming so absorbed in the sisters' captivating story that you question their decisions aloud, almost as if they were real people in your life ..read more

Across the country, local school boards shape and monitor education policies and programs that directly impact millions of public school students each year. On April 25, Newark, NJ voters should cast their ballots. Participation is vital – it gives community members a chance to have a say in who will have a tremendous impact on decision-making in our local school districts and, ultimately, on our kids ..read more

Newark Trust for Education Executive Director Ronald Chaluisán recently joined the New Jersey Morning Show to share valuable tips about how caregivers can navigate conversations with kids’ teachers.  Chaluisán said that parents and guardians should walk into these conversations with an intention to create a productive relationship with the teacher that will help their child meet and exceed their educational and behavioral goals. When parents are in tune with teachers, they can get a comprehensive understanding of how they can best support learning and developmental growth at home. &n ..read more

This article is the third in a five-part series of insights from Newark Trust for Education’s Director of P-12 Strategy, Stephanie Parry, on the value of social emotional learning (SEL). Systems and practices to support social emotional learning should create meaningful engagement with such partners and decision makers as students, families, and communities. This ensures strategies are age-appropriate, culturally relevant, and widely understood and adopted by stakeholders ..read more

This article is the first in a five-part series of insights from Newark Trust for Education’s Director of P-12 Strategy, Stephanie Parry, on the value of social emotional learning (SEL).  Contentious rhetoric from a minority of people has put educators and experts on the defense about the long-established benefits of social and emotional learning (SEL). After months of political football on the topic, and with heightened national concern about student well-being and learning loss, it’s time to get back to the discussion about what states, districts, and schools should do to ensure student ..read more

The digital divide refers to the gap between families that have quality computer hardware and high-speed internet –and those that don’t. The Newark Trust for Education has long been an advocate of digital equity for all students. Our Executive Director Ronald Chaluisán recently spoke with KQ Education Group about the urgent need to ensure that all learners have access to a computer and high-speed internet service, stating that these items are not luxuries – they are necessities. In the interview he says, “one lesson of remote learning is that every student needs a computer and internet access ..read more

A LOOK AT THE NEW ARK FREEDOM SCHOOL Interview with Marquise Guzman, Senior Program Manager of Neighborhood Partnerships, Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies, Rutgers University-Newark   ..read more

When my children were in elementary school, there were times when I could not attend school events and meetings. I’d ask my mother or sister to stand in for me when it was a cultural or sporting event. However, I’d reschedule even the most difficult work meeting or commitment if it was an academic meeting or parent-teacher conference. Like many, I compartmentalized learning, believing that parenting, grandparenting, and schooling were essentially different, and that most learning happened in formal spaces like school.  ..read more

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is a time to reflect on the importance of mental health and recognize the impact it has on students’ lives, their learning experiences, and their success outside of the classroom. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in six U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a [diagnosed] mental health disorder each year.” This data reminds both parents and educators how vital it is to work together and support the mental health and emotional development of students ..read more

This school year is in full swing. This is an exciting and busy time for both students and educators! As children are back to their busy schedules - with homework, home responsibilities, and extracurricular activities, it is important to support them and make sure they have the resources they need to succeed. The Newark Trust for Education has compiled useful tips from educators on how to navigate the transition from summer to school ..read more