Berkeley Heights Schools Top State Averages on New Adaptive Tests
Robert Hargrove · Union County Life
According to Berkeley Heights Public Schools' assessment presentation.
Students in Berkeley Heights passed state tests at far higher rates than students across New Jersey this past spring. Across all grades tested, 76.4% met or exceeded expectations in English language arts (ELA) and 69.2% did so in math.
Dr. Crystal Marr, the assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and student assessment, presented the results to the Board of Education. This was the first year of the NJSLA-A, a computer adaptive test in which question difficulty shifts based on student answers. The district says the scores should be read with that change in mind and alongside other measures.
In ELA, the share of students meeting or exceeding expectations ranged from 73% to 83% in grades 3 through 9, compared with 46% to 56% statewide. In math, the district beat the state in every grade and course. Grade 4 led at 82%, compared with 47% statewide, and Grade 8 reached 60%, compared with 23%.
Science results also topped state averages. In Grade 11, 65% of students met or exceeded expectations, compared with 29% statewide. Grade 5 reached 48% and Grade 8 reached 45%, compared with 27% and 19% across the state.
The presentation also named areas for growth: Grade 5 and secondary math, scientific reasoning, and "greater consistency across student populations." Algebra I and Geometry posted the lowest math results, at 58% and 59%. A chart by race and ethnicity showed overall rates ranging from about 39% to about 92%.
The presentation does not include individual student scores, and it does not compare Berkeley Heights with nearby districts. Families with questions can call the Berkeley Heights School District at 908-464-1718.
Going forward, the district plans to focus on strong classroom teaching, teacher teamwork and coaching, and extra help matched to student needs. It will track progress with tools such as i-Ready, ALEKS and LinkIt, along with classroom work.
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Source: Berkeley Heights Public Schools
Photo: Andy Barbour / Pexels
Frequently asked questions
How did Berkeley Heights students do on the NJSLA-A tests?
Across all grades tested, 76.4% of students met or exceeded expectations in English language arts and 69.2% did so in math. The district scored above state and county averages in every grade and course listed.
What is the NJSLA-A test?
It is New Jersey's new computer adaptive test in English language arts and math. It was given for the first time this past spring. The difficulty of groups of questions changes based on how students answer.
What does the Berkeley Heights school district want to improve?
The presentation named Grade 5 and secondary math, scientific reasoning, and greater consistency across student populations as areas for growth.
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