District Officials Present Data From 2024 State Assessments

Student performance in NJSLA improves in most grades, college readiness improves at most district schools.

NEWARK, N.J. – The performance of Newark Public Schools students on state assessments is improving as the district continues to address the impact of the pandemic shutdown on learning, district officials reported.

District Executive Director of the Office of Policy, Planning, Evaluation and Testing Rochanda Jackson reported the district’s 2024 N.J. Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) data at Thursday’s Board of Education meeting. Jackson’s presentation followed her August 22nd report of all the other 2024 assessment results, including those from the N.J. Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA).

CLICK HERE for the presentation with the assessments data.

“This year’s results show the steady academic progress our students are making across the district,” said Superintendent León. “We are committed to meeting every student’s needs so they will succeed – not only on standardized tests but in pursuing their dreams and fulfilling their goals.”

“The trend is positive from last year to this year, and we have finally surpassed our pre-pandemic levels in English Language Arts in grade 9 and just 1.4 percent shy of doing the same in Algebra,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council.

In English Language Arts on the NJSLA and NJGPA assessments, students in seven of the eight grade levels tested showed increases in the percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations from the year before.

In mathematics on the NJSLA and NJGPA assessments, students in all eight grade levels tested showed increases in the number of students meeting or exceeding expectations from the year before, as did students who were tested in Algebra 1 and Geometry.

The NJSLA are administered every Spring and measure how well students meet state learning standards in English Language Arts, for students in grades 3 through 9, mathematics for students in grades 3 through 8, and Grade 9 students taking Algebra 1, Algebra 2, or Geometry, and science, for students in grades 5, 8, and 11.

The New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) consists of English Language Arts and mathematics components that are administered to students in grade 11 for the purpose of meeting the state graduation assessment requirement. 

The district’s work is continuing to restore student performance to its pre-pandemic levels, and ultimately to surpass those levels.

About Newark Public Schools

The Newark Public Schools is the largest school district in New Jersey and dates back to 1676.  The District currently enrolls over 39,000 students in 63 schools.  After more than two decades of state operation and upon return to local control in 2018, the District has opened ten new schools under Superintendent León’s leadership with an additional portfolio of new options to be announced in the coming months and years. The Newark Board of Education serves as a beacon of educational excellence, dedicated to nurturing the potential of every student. With a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and fostering a love for learning, the District continues to shape future generations and make a positive impact within the community.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Brubaker, Communications Director
Email: pbrubaker@nullnps.k12.nj.us
Phone: 973-803-6983