The State Board of Education plans to discuss criticism from some school superintendents about standardized Start Strong assessments scheduled for September.
Arts Ed NJ found that in looking only at schools that offered dance, there is now a 30% participation rate, and of only the schools that offer theater, student participation was at 18%.
Education commissioner says the issue is being weaponized and distorted – and that parents who oppose the standard can opt their kids out of the lessons.
Schools and the state have plans for how to spend at least two of their three ESSER batches, but so far about $600 million of $4.3 billion has been spent.
The graduation rate for New Jersey high schools dipped from 2020 to 2021 to 90.6%. A second calculation required by the federal government shows it as 88.5%.