The certification process for Future Ready Schools – New Jersey kicked off in May 2017. Learn about this exciting new program and the steps you need to take to get started.

1. What is the Future Ready Schools – New Jersey certification program?

Future Ready Schools – NJ is a partnership among NJSBA, the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). It is a voluntary certification program that helps schools plan and implement effective digital learning strategies so all students can achieve their full potential. The New Jersey program is an offshoot of a national effort, Future Ready Schools, which is run by the Alliance for Excellent Education.

2. What are the steps a district needs to take to register for the Future Ready Schools certification program?

There are two phases to the Future Ready Schools – NJ certification program; commitment and certification.

Commitment. The first step toward certification in the program is to secure the district’s commitment to supporting the Future Ready efforts of its schools. To be recognized as Future Ready Committed, districts will have to implement and submit the following items:

  • Sign the Future Ready pledge;
  • ​Adopt a board resolution;
  • Establish a district-level Future Ready team​;
  • Submit the commitment pre-application; and
  • Optional, but recommended: conduct a district self-assessment.

Certification. Once a district has successfully committed to becoming Future Ready, schools can begin submitting evidence of their success in indicators of Future Readiness based upon the national Future Ready framework which has been customized for New Jersey and adapted by the Future Ready Schools – NJ task forces. Schools must implement and submit the following items to be eligible to apply for Future Ready Schools – NJ certification:​

  • Develop an action plan for certification
  • ​Implement actions to achieve success in Future Ready Schools – NJ indicators;
  • ​Submit evidence of success in Future Ready Schools – NJ indicators;
  • Conduct evidence review and feedback with the Future Ready Schools – NJ Team; and
  • Optional, but recommended: conduct a school self-assessment.

To learn more about getting certified, visit the website.

3. What are some of the indicators of being Future Ready that my school can work towards to become certified in the Future Ready Schools – New Jersey program? Where can I review all of the requirements?

The certification requirements for the Future Ready program are available online at www.frsnj.org. Success is measured within “gears” in the theme areas of leadership, education and classroom practice, and technology and support services. Gears within these areas include collaborative leadership; community partnerships; budget and resources; curriculum, instruction, and assessment; personalized professional learning; use of space and time; robust infrastructure; and data and privacy.

Indicators of Future Readiness have been developed by over 225 educators, leaders, and stakeholders from more than 125 districts and organizations throughout New Jersey. The certification requirements are based upon the national Future Ready framework and focused on leadership, education and classroom practice, and technology support and services.

4. What are the benefits of enrolling in the program and becoming certified?

By participating in the Future Ready Schools – NJ Certification Program, schools will receive the direction, guidance, support, and resources to achieve success achieving the benchmarks that are required for Future Ready certification.

This program will help districts to prepare their students for success in college, career, and citizenship in a digital age.

5. How can I learn more about the Future Ready Schools – New Jersey certification program?

To learn more about the Future Ready Schools – New Jersey certification program visit the website, follow Future Ready Schools – New Jersey on Facebook and Twitter at @FRSNewJersey, or via email.