Earlier this fall New Jersey Education Report asked subscribers to our daily email to weigh in on the state of New Jersey’s school system after pandemic-induced learning disruptions; currently only 42% of third-graders read proficiently. As promised, here are the results, along with a short video (scroll to bottom) as we continue to shine a light on student proficiency disparities and the role of the State Education Department in closing learning gaps and providing equitable access for our 1.3 million students. 

Question: New Jersey literacy programs are rated some of the worst in the nation as measured by their adherence to the science of reading. Please rate the quality of literacy instruction in your own school district.

Results: 41%  of respondents rated their district’s literacy instruction “effective” or “highly effective.” 43% rated their district “not very effective” or “not very effective at all. 14% of respondents were unsure.

Question: On the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) New Jersey eighth-graders exhibited a sharp decline in their math skills and saw no improvement in their reading scores.  Based on what you are seeing in your own school district, do you think that New Jersey is doing enough to address learning loss from the pandemic? 

Results: A whopping 73% off respondents said they “strongly believe” or “believe” their districts are not doing enough. 14% think their district are doing enough. The rest aren’t sure.

Question:  Are your district’s programs to address learning loss effective?

Results: 23% said “yes,” 46% said “no,” and the rest aren’t sure.

Question: Do you support the expansion of public charter schools?

Results: 52% either strongly or somewhat support public charter school expansion while 36% do not.

Question: Do you support Education Savings Accounts (ESA’s) which allow parents to withdraw their children from public districts and have government-authorized savings accounts for private school tuition?

Results: 47% of respondents either support or somewhat support ESA’s. 37% do not support them and the rest are neutral on the issue. 

 

Question: Do you believe New Jersey should be doing more to increase the diversity of teachers in its classrooms? 

Results: 46% of respondents believe we should be doing more to encourage teacher diversity. 37% strongly or somewhat strongly do not support these efforts.

Watch this 90-second video!