Instructional Design

Newmark High School Instructional Areas

Newmark High School’s student population requires flexibility in both content and pace; therefore, our academic curriculum is designed to serve as a general guideline. We recognize that teachers will make necessary adaptations to create learning conditions that are appropriate for individual student needs. Our curriculum is designed to meet each student’s individual goals. 

 

We provide the rigor required for college-bound students, as well as the modifications and assistive technology needed to help close educational gaps resulting from specific learning disabilities and interrupted schooling. All students receive a comprehensive transition plan to help prepare them for life after graduation. 

Throughout our program, the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) and Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills (NJSLS-CLKS) are addressed. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are developed using these standards and include a comprehensive transition plan.

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Instructional Focus

Newmark High School is approved to administer all New Jersey–mandated assessments, including those associated with the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) and the Grade 11 New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA).

 

Learning Standards

  • English (English 9, 10, 11, 12 - Literature & Composition Skills)
  • Mathematics (Algebra 1A, Algebra 1B, Algebra 1, Geometry/Trigonometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Advanced Mathematical Applications, Financial Algebra)
  • Science (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry)
  • Social Studies (World History, US History I & II, American Government)
  • Physical Education (9-12)
  • Health (Health 9 - Emphasis on Wellness; Health 10 - Driver Education Preparation; Health 11-12 Real Life Experiences)
  • Arts (Art 9-12 - Traditional Art, Design and Digital Tracks)
  • Business Education (Technology Tools and Organization, Family and Consumer Explorations, Financial Literacy, Service-Learning, Personal Management and Career Readiness)
  • World Languages (Spanish 1, Spanish 2)

Counseling Curriculum
 

Interconnected Counseling curriculums and programs that target specific skills necessary for success in the classroom. Faculty use a common language to create consistent expectations in academic, social, and behavioral settings. These strategic programs provide a structure for coaching in these areas.  
 
  • Counseling Curriculum - Full-time school counselors providing weekly Wellness groups and social skills training utilizing research validated and effective curriculum programs
    • Social Decision Making/Problem Solving Program
    • Social Thinking Methodology
    • Project Adventure Program
    • Mindfulness in School Program
  • Parent Education programming

Transition Services

Multi-year program includes comprehensive guidance and counseling for parents and students to facilitate career awareness and college admissions.

  • PreACT and ACT instruction and on-site testing
  • Career Assessment Program
  • Work Based Experience (WBE) opportunity to engage in practical offsite work experience with professional job coaches
  • College Experience Trips
  • Supportive Post-Secondary Agency Referral Assistance
  • Life Skills Training in Studio Apartment for both independent living and dorm life
  • Post Graduate (5th Year) Program to bridge skill development for college or workplace readiness
  • Transition Workshops/Education for parents
  • Parent Resources

Support Services

  • Related Services (Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Therapy, Assistive Software Technology)
  • School Nurse & Health Screenings
  • Transition Workshops/Education  
  • Parent Communication (Bi-Monthly Teacher Phone Calls, Parent Training & Information Seminars)
  • Independent Practice at home

Newmark High School provides each student with an appropriate education based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP), developed by the student’s school district in accordance with New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14, the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS), and Career Readiness, Life Literacies and Key Skills (NJSLS-CLKS). It is the goal of Newmark High School for each student to work within and meet these standards.

Study Skills Lessons

Study skills are explicitly taught in grades 6–12, building upon skills each year and tailored to the individual needs of students. Executive functioning, critical thinking, and communication skills are fostered through meaningful and relevant lessons, along with the use of a binder system and student planner. 

The binder system promotes organizational skills, as students use the binder as a central tool to organize assignments, handouts and Independent Practice (IP). The student planner supports the development of planning and organizational skills through recording assignments, reminders, due dates and other information necessary for academic success. Students are expected to bring their binder and planner to and from school each day. 


Independent Practice (IP)

What is Independent Practice (IP)?

Newmark provides opportunities for students to practice their academic skills outside of the classroom. Independent Practice is assigned nightly and plays an important role in helping students develop and refine intellectual skills, become independent learners and build an identity as successful learners. 

The purpose of Independent Practice is to assess students’ understanding of concepts and skills; provide practice of skills learned in class; preview upcoming material and support review for quizzes and tests. 

 

How much IP should my teen get?

Research supports the “10-minute rule” for Independent Practice, which suggests that students receive approximately 10 minutes of practice per grade level. Newmark High School students will receive no more than 90–120 minutes of Independent Practice per night. 

 Independent Practice serves as an assessment for feedback; however, all assignments are evaluated using an Independent Practice rubric and account for 10% of the student’s quarterly grade. The rubric is reviewed with students to provide guidance on assignment completion. Parents can access the rubric in the parent resource folder within their student’s Schoology course. 

 

 

Success After Newmark

Students continue on to prominent colleges and universities, county colleges, and trade schools, and find meaningful employment that allows them to function at their full potential.

Recent graduates attend:

  • Beacon College
  • Bergen Community College
  • Berklee College of Music
  • Brookdale Community College
  • Caldwell University
  • Centenary University
  • Champlain College
  • Clark University
  • The College of St. Rose
  • College of Staten Island
  • County College of Morris
  • Delaware Valley University
  • DeSales University
  • Drew University
  • Drexel University
  • Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • Florida Polytechnic University
  • Franklin Academy
  • Hudson County Community College
  • Ithaca College 
  • Kean University
  • Kutztown University
  • Manhattan College
  • Marshall University
  • Miami Dade College
  • Middlesex County College
  • Mitchell College
  • Montclair State University
  • NJ Institute of Technology
  • New York University
  • NYC Film Academy
  • NY Institute of Technology - Vocational Independence Program
  • Norwich University
  • Ocean County Vocational Technical School
  • Pennsylvania College of Technology
  • Ramapo College
  • Raritan Valley Community College
  • Rider University
  • Ridge WBL Program
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • Rollins College
  • Rutgers University
  • Sacred Heart University
  • Saint Peter's University
  • School of Visual Arts, NYC
  • Seton Hall University
  • Stevens Institute of Technology
  • Stockton University
  • Syracuse University
  • The College of New Jersey
  • Union County College
  • Union County Vocational Technical Schools
  • U.S. Military
  • University of Connecticut
  • University of Massachusetts - Amherst
  • Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Extended School Year (ESY)

Optional for qualified students in July:

  • Full-Day Academic Program
  • Life Skills Training
  • Field Trips
  • Counseling

 

What our parents are saying 

"We just have to tell you what an incredible impact the NYC summer program had on Joe.

Basil and I have marveled all summer on how much Joe grew up this summer and we think the NYC program had a lot to do with his growth. Truthfully we have not seen this much evident growth in him in many years.

Joe, on his own, chose to walk almost every day since the program ended. He got himself up and out of the house and walked for as long as 2 hours on some days. He walked to the park, around our neighborhood, to a local deli to get himself lunch and even walked by himself to the barber to get a haircut (including paying and tipping the barber). He is now helpful around the house; willingly helping with whatever we need. His ability to make decisions and especially his ability to deal with life when it doesn't go as he had expected has increased significantly. And maybe one of the most significant changes we have seen is his ability to deal with Alyssa and her needs. He has become sensitive and empathetic to her needs and struggles and goes out of his way to do things that he thinks may help her or knows to stay away when that is the best answer in a given situation. 

We just want to thank you for putting together such an awesome program, we are keenly aware that you went above and beyond to make this program successful for Joe and his peers. 

We look forward to a great school year for Joe and working with you as we look to prepare Joe for college. 

Thanks again"

- Newmark Parent