AVI CHAI is supporting an effort by the Melton Research Center for Jewish Education of The Jewish Theological Seminary to implement a standards-based approach to the study of Tanakh (Bible) at Conservative, Community and Reform day schools. Detailed standards and benchmarks for the study of Bible were drafted by a team of Bible specialists and educators, and then reviewed and commented upon by independent consultants and ten review schools.
The project provides participating schools’ Judaic studies faculties with year-long professional learning in developing curricula rooted in the Tanakh standards and benchmarks as a means for setting clear expectations and enhancing student learning. The Judaic studies heads participate in three instructional leadership institutes and receive ongoing coaching from specially trained Tanakh educators to further their skills in developing curriculum, mentoring faculty, and leading instructionally-focused meetings. Thirty-five schools with students from K-12 have participated in the project to date.