Instructional Design

Newmark is approved to administer all New Jersey–mandated testing, including assessments associated with the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA). 

Classrooms are student-centered, learner-active environments with state-of-the-art technology integrated into each subject area. Students use technology as a tool to support their daily learning. 

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. 

Newmark provides opportunities for students to practice and extend their academic learning outside of the classroom. Independent Practice (IP) is assigned nightly and plays an important role in helping students reinforce and deepen their understanding of concepts, develop thinking skills, become independent learners and build a sense of identity as successful learners. 

The purpose of Independent Practice is to assess student understanding, provide continued skill development, preview upcoming material and support review for quizzes and tests. Research supports the “10-minute rule” for Independent Practice, suggesting that students receive approximately 10 minutes of practice per grade level. For example, a student in third grade would receive no more than 30 minutes of Independent Practice per night. 

Although Independent Practice serves as an informal assessment for feedback, all assignments are evaluated using an Independent Practice rubric and are included in the course grade as a percentage for data-tracking purposes. The IP rubric is reviewed with students to provide guidance on assignment completion. Parents can access the Independent Practice rubric in the parent resource folder within their student’s Schoology course.