2017 PARCC Results for Hoboken School District: Grades 3 to 11 Reading (Language Arts) and Mathematics: Mixed Results in Early Grades; Middle School Scores Well Below 50% on Adequate Progress; College Readiness Measured by PARCC Scores Very Low in Hoboken High School

Hudson River- Hoboken January, 2018 

In September of 2017 the New Jersey Department of Education released the results of the 2017 PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College Careers) scores for all New Jersey schools and school districts. The test is given each spring to students in grades 3 through 11. Students receive scores ranging from 1 to 5 on the computerized tests. Those who score a 4 or a 5 are considered to be meeting the expectations of their grade level. Those scoring a 3 are "approaching" their grade level, while students earning a 1 or a 2 need significant improvement.

Data for the Hoboken School District will be presented in two different ways. First, by some quick to read charts (see Charts 1, 2, and 3 below) and second by a more detailed handout that can be viewed online or printed out for closer examination. There is more information in the handout than in the chart. For instance, in Charts 1, 2, and 3 only "passing" scores of 4 or 5 are represented. In the handout, percentages for each PARCC level (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5) in each grade (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, ith, 9th, 10th, and 11th) in each school (Calabro, Connors, Wallace, Middle School, Hoboken High School) are presented along with DISTRICT scores.

There are a number of interesting findings that one sees only when data is presented in graphic or chart form. For instance, in Chart 1 we see some really interesting things:

• The disparity between Reading (Language Arts) and Mathematics within each school. This is especially evident in Connors 3rd Grade; Calabro 4th Grade, Calabro 5th Grade, and Calabro 8th Grade.

• The drop-off between Reading at Calabro from Grade 5 (100%) to Grade 6 (63%).

• Except for Connors Mathematics Grade 3, every elementary school at every grade tested scores at a higher percentage in Reading than Mathematics.

CLICK TO ENLARGE
Chart 1: 2017 Hoboken PARCC Scores by School Grades 3-6

In Chart 2 we see some really concerning things- primarily the overall low scores and especially the very low score in Grade 8 Mathematics. During the middle grades, students begin getting deeper and more complex content and effective pedagogy becomes critical. It should be noted that during the middle grades, students begin getting deeper and more complex content and effective pedagogy becomes critical. We will soon see how these scores play out in the high school but for now, here at the scores for Grade 7 and Grade 8 in Reading and Mathematics.

CLICK TO ENLARGE
Chart 2: 2017 Hoboken PARCC Scores Grades 7 and 8

In Chart 3 we see clearly some of the systemic and chronic failure of the Hoboken School District to adequately prepare students not only for college but arguably for future employment in our increasingly complex and STEM dominated world. Over 80% of the district students are not meeting the New Jersey Department of Education's expectations in Mathematics (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry) and over 60% are not meeting the New Jersey Department of Education's expectations in Reading (Language Arts).

CLICK TO ENLARGE
Chart 3: 2017 Hoboken PARCC Scores Grades 9-11 (HHS)  

PARCC scores are not a perfect measure and certainly individual students who are not scoring a 4 or a 5 may still be learning and not necessarily be testing well. But educational leadership, educational policy, and educational administration demands looking at the big picture as well as the individual level. These latest PARCC results along with 7 years in a row of failed QSAC DPR's in INSTRUCTION AND PROGRAM are not independent of each other.  are I would encourage interested people to look at the more detailed handout of the 2017 PARCC results below. There is plenty of good and interesting data to be gleamed.

Summary: As we reflect on this Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, we need to begin to challenge the chronic and systemic issues our Black and Latino students and students from financially struggling families are facing in the Hoboken School District. A vast majority of the school district is demographically from under represented populations and qualify for Free or Reduced lunch. These students and their families have limited options and depend on public education more than any other group in the city for their future. Unfortunately, these PARCC results- most notably beginning in Grade 6- indicate that it is not any group or individual student who is failing. Rather, there appears to be a system wide failure taking place and no one is being held accountable or is taking responsibility at the school or district level. 

  Spring 2017 PARCC Results by School by Anthony Petrosino on Scribd