Ashley Woolsey-Greene hosted the September 2026 Exchange.  As the Social Studies Coordinator in the Office of Standards at the New Jersey Department of Education, she provided deep insight into understanding the relationship between social studies and civics learning and engagement.

Ashley facilitates the process of reviewing and implementing the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Social Studies with the mission to foster informed and engaged citizens. NJ is a local control state which provides flexibility for districts and educators as they create curriculum that contextualizes the standards to meet the needs of their students and classrooms.

The Standards Review Process is democratic, incorporating multiple rounds of stakeholder engagement, public comments and voting to ensure that the final product reflects the diverse population of New Jersey. Individuals of all. As part of the public comment process, individuals of all ages are welcome to submit comments or questions via email and/or participate in three regional meetings, where attendees are invited to share feedback regarding the proposed standards. The NJ Department of Education addresses each comment or question received.

The standards review process is a unique opportunity for not only adults to share their perspectives, but more importantly for young people to actively engage in civics and share their perspectives on what creates informed and engaged citizens. Students often don’t see themselves as part of the civics process. Participation in government at any level, for any reason, helps to foster a civic culture where students see that democracy values and need their involvement to be successful.

If you missed the Exchange, view the recording to learn more about Ashley’s exceptional work with the NJ Department of Education.

For your convenience, here are resources shared during the Exchange:

Revolutionary Schools

History Happened Here

Foundations of Democracy

Rutgers Free Civics Fairs for High Schools and Middle Schools