2023 Test Scores: Black and Latino students in public charter schools outperform their peers by double digits in English language arts and math
Black and Latino charter students in Newark top the New Jersey statewide average in ELA
Hamilton, NJ – December 8, 2023 – Late Wednesday, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) released the 2023 statewide assessment results for all K-12 public schools in the Garden State. Data show that Black and Latino students enrolled in New Jersey public charter schools outperform Black and Latino students in comparison districts by 17 points in English language arts (ELA) and 10 points in mathematics on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA). These data confirm that public charter schools continue to make significant gains in student achievement for students of color in under-resourced communities throughout New Jersey. 45% of public charter school students are black, 40% are Latino, and 90% of all public charter school students attend School Development Authority (SDA) schools or former Abbott districts.
“Once again, public charter schools continue to make gains despite severe headwinds from the pandemic. While there is still work to be done, our outstanding public charter school teachers deserve recognition for the undeniable progress our students have made – they have accelerated learning and provided strong social and emotional support for our students, especially students of color in our urban districts. said TJ Best, senior counsel for the New Jersey Public Charter School Association (NJPCSA). “We must follow the data and replicate what works because our students deserve better. The public charter school community looks forward to sharing how we achieve these strong results with other public schools and key stakeholders throughout New Jersey.”
An analysis of test scores disaggregated by the six cities with the largest numbers of charter school students shows similar results. Public charter school students in Camden, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, Plainfield, and Trenton are more likely to achieve proficiency on state assessments.
College Achieve Public Schools (CAPS) is a non-profit, independent public school network serving students in Plainfield, Paterson, and Asbury Park. CAPS closed the achievement gap between Black/Latino students and white students at 14 out of 21 grade levels tested in ELA. CAPS Paterson achieved annual proficiency gains of 20 points in ELA and 13 points in mathematics.
“These results demonstrate the belief that led us to found CAPS: that all students have unique gifts and talents — and if they are given access to a rigorous college preparatory program, they will soar,” said Michael Pescal, founder and CEO of College Achieve Public Schools. (Hats). “Too many New Jersey students — especially students of color and students experiencing poverty — are denied the educational opportunities they deserve, and we are proud to help buck this trend in all three districts we serve. Congratulations to our students, teachers, and CAPS community on this remarkable achievement.”
Black and Latino charter students in Newark top statewide average in ELA:
New Jersey’s public education system is widely considered the best in the country. In Newark, black and Latino public charter school students outperformed the New Jersey state average in English language arts, with 52% of students scoring proficient (levels 4 or 5) on the NJSLA compared to the state average of 51% in grades 3 through 8 This amazing achievement demonstrates that zip code does not determine the quality of education a child receives.
Robert Treat Academy Charter School in Newark is a former Blue Ribbon school and serves almost all students of color. In 2023, Robert Treat University’s proficiency scores exceeded the state average by 17 points in ELA and 10 points in mathematics.
“The education my daughter is receiving at Robert Treat Academy Charter School will open doors for her long after she leaves the classroom. I am so thrilled with the progress she is making and the tremendous challenges she is facing,” said Harolyn Orozco, parent of an eighth-grader who currently attends Robert Treat School. “I hope every parent across New Jersey has the same opportunities that my family has and is able to send their child to the school that best meets their individual needs.”
About the New Jersey Public Charter School Association:
The New Jersey Charter School Association (NJPCSA) is a non-profit membership association that represents the state’s charter school community and, by extension, charter school students and their parents. There are currently 85 charter schools in New Jersey serving 60,000 students. We are committed to enhancing the quality of public education for New Jersey’s children by creating excellent public charter schools. The Association seeks to influence legislative and policy environments, leverage collective advocacy, and provide resources to support our members in developing and operating high-quality public charter schools.
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In 2023, the test scores of Black and Latino students in public charter schools have shown an impressive achievement in English language arts and math, outperforming their peers by double digits. The exceptional performance of these students is a testament to the effectiveness of public charter schools in providing quality education and support to minority students. This significant achievement not only highlights the success of these students but also the dedication of educators and the impact of charter school policies in closing the achievement gap.