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an “on demand” resource. Our PLC’s Reflecting on the Journey: exciting to see them in action in the
currently continue to work through the Keeping our Eye on the Road classroom and to reflect as a staff how
modules and are currently involved in this has strengthened student learning.
different stages of unpacking standards Right now, our journey continues to We are continuing our work with the
and strengthening curriculum units that be a slow and steady one. Time is extended pilot that NJPSA has offered
already exist in the district. Each grade always a challenge, and classroom and look forward to deepening our PLC
level has approached the modules in teachers are always torn trying to find practice over the next few years with
slightly different ways, depending on enough of it during the day. However, the ultimate goal of having teachers
the make-up of their team and their own we continue to press forward through engaged in the CAR framework as an
levels of knowledge and experience. the CAR conversations. As the embedded structure and as a way to
Allowing for such differentiation is just teams travel ahead, planning their link many different elements of educator
one of the strengths of this blending common assessments and actually practice into one shared journey.
learning approach. implementing these units, it will be

About the Author
Janet Ciarrocca is the principal at Livingston Park Elementary School in North Brunswick, NJ. Throughout
a 29-year career in education, she has moved from classroom teacher, to library media specialist to
principal. She has worked in both urban and suburban districts. A lifelong learner, she is a proud graduate
of the NJ EXCEL program. Janet is currently participating in the Learning Forward Academy program, a 2 ½
year cohort focused on a specific job embedded problem of practice, in this case, the CAR process. She is
passionate about professional learning and figuring out ways to reach every learner.

Educational Viewpoints -26- Spring 2017