N.J. Steps Higher: Tougher High School Testing, Graduation Criteria

WAYNE – A suggested framework for preparing every New Jersey student for college and the workplace was unveiled April 25, the result of a multi-year study on improving high school education in the state.
The policy paper, entitled NJ STEPS: Re-Designing Education in New Jersey for the 21st Century, provides recommendations of the New Jersey High School Redesign Steering Committee that focus on five areas, including standards and high school graduation requirements, assessment alignment, teachers and school leaders, learning communities and personalized education, and P-16 alignment.
The proposal was presented at a joint board meeting of the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and State Board of Education at William Patterson University that included Gov. Jon S. Corzine, along with the two co-chairs of the New Jersey High School Redesign Steering Committee, according to a release.
“The Task Force has admirably addressed every aspect of high school education and the potential for its seamless integration into higher education in New Jersey,” said Corzine in accepting the report.
“We have an obligation and a vested economic interest to equip our high school students with the tools they need to build successful lives. These recommendations are a blueprint for this process.”
Standards and High School Graduation Requirements: A major goal of the Steering Committee is to help align New Jersey high school standards and graduation requirements to college and workforce entry requirements.
According to reviews by Achieve Inc., New Jersey’s high school standards and graduation requirements in language arts literacy and mathematics did not specifically reflect the knowledge and skills necessary for success in credit-bearing coursework in higher education or entry-level, well-paying jobs.
Currently, New Jersey does not require all students to complete a college and work-ready curriculum to graduate from high school, and local graduation requirements also vary widely.
As a result, the Steering Committee presented their proposed NJ STEPS Graduation Requirements, which include requiring all students to learn Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biology, Chemistry, and .5 years of Economics, along with current state requirements to earn a high school diploma.
Assessment Alignment: The Steering Committee also proposed a new approach for testing students on the content they would learn through the proposed NJ STEPS Graduation Requirements.
A new Language Arts Proficiency Assessment, along with End of Course exams in math (Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry), and science (Biology and Chemistry) would replace the New Jersey High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA).
Teachers and School Leaders: The Steering Committee proposed a partnership with key stakeholders to research, identify, and implement appropriate recruitment initiatives for teachers and education leaders. Additional suggestions include evaluating and improving teacher preparation programs in the state, and evaluating and implementing proven models of professional development for New Jersey educators.
Learning Communities and Personalized Education: The Steering Committee recommends redesigning high schools as “learning communities” that utilize personalized learning approaches to prepare and support students in meeting the new standards and high school graduation requirements.
Specific recommendations include providing increased technical assistance to local education leaders, and implementing data-based decision making programs.
P-16 Alignment: The Steering Committee recommends creating a P-16 Council that would work to ensure a seamless and aligned system of public education from preschool through four years of college. This diverse group should include key leaders from P-16 education, business, industry, trade unions, government, parents, and the overall community.
State of New Jersey Commissioner of Education Lucille Davy presented the recommendations included in the High School Redesign Steering Committee’s policy paper to the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and State Board of Education.
“The Steering Committee has a clear vision for public education in New Jersey, which is to educate all students to prepare them to lead productive, fulfilling lives,” said Davy. “The recommendations set forth in this policy paper are the result of extensive research, in-depth consultation with many organizations and individuals throughout the state, and careful consideration of the issues.”
The recommendations of the Steering Committee were derived from two years of public meetings with more than 1,000 educators, members of the public, and education stakeholders, such as the special education and career and technical education communities.
As the report indicates, given budget constraints at the state and local levels, it is expected that additional resources for these recommendations must be found through strategic reallocations. In addition, the report indicates that these reforms are to integrated with the Department of Education’s other school reform initiatives, including the Partnership for 21st Century Skills Initiative and the Secondary Education Initiative.
The work of the New Jersey High School Redesign Steering Committee was met with support and appreciation from both the state’s business and higher education communities. “Education reform and economic development are in a close, synergistic relationship,” said New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner David Socolow. “In fact, New Jersey’s excellent workforce has long been a key factor in attracting business to our state.”
Also speaking on behalf of the business community was Prudential Chairman and New Jersey High School Redesign Steering Committee co-chair Art Ryan. “Years ago, a strong back and willing heart were enough to allow a person to make a decent living. Today, the ability to use your brain will determine your success,” said Ryan. Ryan is also a co-chair of New Jersey United for Higher School Standards, an advocacy group that works to educate parents on the value of strong education standards and assessments.
New Jersey’s higher education community also voiced its support for the recommendations of the policy paper. “We should not waste time debating whether or not to set challenging standards for students,” said Susan Cole, President, Montclair State University and co-chair, The New Jersey High School Redesign Steering Committee. “We should spend our time doing what is necessary to prepare students to meet their challenging futures.”
Members of the High School Redesign Steering Committee include the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE), New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA), New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA), New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the Business Coalition for Educational Excellence (BCEE) at the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, New Jersey Commission on Higher Education, New Jersey United for Higher School Standards (NJU), New Jersey Presidents’ Council, and Montclair State University. The co-chairs of the Steering Committee are New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, Prudential Chairman Art Ryan, and Montclair State University President Dr. Susan Cole. For more information visit www.njhighschoolsummit.org