U.S. News and World Report recently proclaimed that New Jersey has the best schools in the country. USNWR uses 8th grade test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) for its rankings.
But looking at the same NAEP results, you’ll find only 37% of New Jersey’s 8th graders scored proficient or above in math, and only 38% in reading. How can we celebrate NJ’s #1 ranking while ignoring the fact that more than 60% of our 8th graders aren’t at grade level?
Picture this: in a given 8th grade classroom, more than 60% of our students aren’t meeting grade level expectations. Is this something to celebrate?
