“Shocking 2024 N.J. School Test Results —See How Students in Your District Really Stacks Up!”

New Jersey Students Show Post-Pandemic Improvement, But Challenges Remain

New Jersey students have demonstrated continued progress in the third year of post-pandemic state testing. However, according to the state Department of Education data, average scores lag behind pre-pandemic levels. While incremental gains are being made, state officials acknowledge there is significant ground to cover to reach or surpass previous benchmarks.

2023-2024 State Testing Results Overview

During the 2023-2024 school year, only 52.2% of students met or exceeded expectations in English Language Arts (ELA) on the statewide New Jersey Student Learning Assessments. In mathematics, the results were more concerning, with just 39.6% of students scoring at or above grade level. The science exam, introduced in 2019, saw even fewer students achieving proficiency, with only 24.8% testing at proficient or advanced proficient levels.

These results highlight both the progress students are making and the challenges they continue to face in recovering from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Statewide averages indicate steady improvement since 2022 when these assessments were first reintroduced after the pandemic. However, the pace of these improvements remains slower than anticipated, especially after transitioning back to regular in-person learning.

How the Tests Are Scored

The scoring ranges and expectations for New Jersey’s statewide assessments are specific to each subject:

• Students ELA and Math: Scores range from 650 to 850 across all grades and courses. Students must score above 750 to meet grade-level expectations and 790 or higher to exceed them.
• Students Science: Scores fall between 100 and 300. A score of at least 200 indicates proficiency, while 243 or higher signifies advanced proficiency.

Students in grades 3 through 9 take the ELA assessments, while those in grades 3 through 8 take math assessments. Additionally, ninth-grade students and advanced students in earlier grades who are enrolled in Algebra I, Algebra II, or Geometry take specialized exams in those subjects instead of general math tests.

Recovery Trends Since the Pandemic

The gradual improvement in students test scores is a positive sign, but state officials had hoped for a more dramatic rebound following the reinstatement of in-person classes. The pandemic caused significant disruptions to traditional learning environments, particularly in math, where the subject often requires hands-on instruction and interactive problem-solving. ELA scores have shown a slightly stronger recovery, but they, too, remain below pre-pandemic averages.

Experts point to various factors contributing to the slow recovery, including learning loss from prolonged remote education, reduced access to resources for some students, and lingering challenges in adapting to post-pandemic instructional methods. The New Jersey Department of Education is working with districts to implement targeted interventions to accelerate progress.

A Closer Look at Science Results

The science assessments, still relatively new compared to the ELA and math exams, reveal a stark gap in student proficiency. With fewer than a quarter of students reaching proficient or advanced proficiency levels, educators are grappling with bolstering achievement in this critical subject area. Science educators face the dual challenge of addressing pre-existing gaps in foundational knowledge and overcoming the unique challenges posed by remote science instruction during the pandemic.

Efforts to Support Student Growth

To address these challenges, many districts are increasing investments in after-school tutoring programs for students, summer learning initiatives, and additional classroom resources. Professional development for teachers has also been prioritized, equipping educators with strategies to close learning gaps effectively. Furthermore, state officials emphasize the importance of parent engagement, encouraging families to stay informed about their children’s academic progress and support learning at home.

District Performance

Are you curious about how your district performed? Use the interactive chart to view average ELA, math, and science scores across all districts. The data allows for a detailed comparison of district-level outcomes, helping parents and educators identify trends and areas for improvement.

Looking Ahead

As New Jersey continues to address the lingering effects of the pandemic on education, the focus remains on steady growth and comprehensive support for students. While the current results are not yet where educators and policymakers hope to see them, the upward trend provides a foundation for optimism.

By fostering collaboration among teachers, administrators, parents, and students, New Jersey aims to build on this progress and restore academic achievement to pre-pandemic levels.

CLICK HERE to see how your district scored. (scroll to page 18, where Monmouth County Begins)

About the Author

CALL ME TODAY!

☎️ (732) 213 -0325
🌐 CoriSellsNJ.com  
📧 [email protected]
RE/MAX CENTRAL Realtor®

If you are considering BUYING in Monmouth County, Click below for a Home Buyers Guide:
👉click here

If you are considering SELLING in Monmouth County, Click below for a Home Sellers Guide:
👉 click here

Want To Learn More?
Chat with Cori Dunphy!

Cori (732) 213-0325 Brokerage (732) 972 1000