education

State lawmakers are trying to finally establish long-term clarity for New Jersey’s muddled high school testing and graduation requirements.

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%.

Decisions about letting home-schooled students take part in extracurriculars are made by each district. A bill would require it in all towns.

Education groups say the suggested transparency measures in a proposed bill are generally already being followed by schools.

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.

Start Strong test results released along with new school report cards have lawmakers pressing the state to detail its plans to help students catch up.

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%.

Sen. Joseph Pennacchio says the package of legislation would give parents more power over what schools teach their children.

Between categories missing data and trends in others, New Jersey's school performance reports for 2020-21 document the wide impact of the pandemic.