Hoboken's HoLa Dual Language School Exceeds at Brown University's Science Olympiad Invitational AND is Recognized by the New Jersey School Board Association with a School Leader Award for 2023; Hoboken District Schools Continue to Flounder Under Johnson

Congratulations to these middle schoolers from the Hola Dual Language School in Hoboken, NJ. These students brought home 13 medals including several top-three finishes at the Brown University Science Olympiad Invitational.

Earlier this week, Hola was recognized by the New Jersey School Board Association with a School Leader Award for 2023. The award is formal recognition for HoLa as a leader in dual-language programs in New Jersey. 

HoLa continues to enjoy diverse and independent recognition for school success. Unfortunately, it is too bad the rest of the Hoboken Public School district is rather disappointing. As an example, some might remember recent revelations that Superintendent Johnson professionally and personally misrepresented herself about having a doctorate for well over a decade. Others might recall a recent US News and World Report showing that over half of the high school students are reading below grade level; only 8% of all students were proficient in Algebra; and 1% of students were found to be proficient in Science.

 

The Mathematics of a Resiliency Park- Does Holding 400,000 Gallons of Water Impact the Flooding Impact of 17,400,000 Gallons of Water?

Real world application of mathematics and science are consistent with national STEM reform efforts. Such skills also are consistent with better informed citizens who are often asked to participate in critical infrastructure efforts. 

One current example involves the chronic flooding in Hoboken, NJ. Some will recall, Hoboken was severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy and still floods often and regularly. 

The city has implemented a number of efforts over the year (water gardens for example). One effort is the notion of a resiliency park where rainwater would be retained in large underground containers during heavy rain events. Will these efforts be effective? One way to look at this question is via mathematics and science rather than by public relation campaigns. 

Here is how a middle to high school problem may be posed centering around a problem which attempts to mitigate flooding. 

Question: A new park in a city will include underground infrastructure to withhold 400,000+ gallons of rain to reduce flooding. If the town is one square mile, how significant is this infrastructure in reducing the chance of flooding?

Note: The amount of rain considered to be capable of flooding is roughly in an hour can vary depending on the location and the type of precipitation. However, generally, rainfall rates of 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) or more per hour are considered heavy or intense, and may cause flash flooding and other hazards

Mathematical Calculation: A rainfall of 1 inch over square mile is equal to 17,400,000 gallons of water. A resiliency park capable of holding 400,000 gallons of water would represent 2.29% of the rainfall that falls during a 1 inch rainfall

Answer: Please assess the relative effectiveness of this resiliency park. 

Additional Information: https://www.tapinto.net/towns/hoboken/sections/green/articles/have-your-say-hoboken-residents-invited-to-take-800-monroe-resiliency-park-survey

https://patch.com/new-jersey/hoboken/no-pool-you-can-still-choose-plan-800-monroe-st-hoboken

Presinzano wins Hoboken 1st Ward Council Seat

Paul Presinzano is now the councilman-elect in Hoboken’s 1st Ward, winning the first runoff in the Mile Square City since 2009 by an unofficial tally of 692 to 529.

John Hines of Hudson County View reports: (full article) 

This was the first runoff election since Peter Cammarano defeated Dawn Zimmer for the mayor’s seat in 2009. Thanks to Operation Bid Rig, Zimmer would become the acting mayor about a month later when Cammarano was arrested on corruption charges.

Presinzano lost decisively in the 2021 council-at-large races where he ran on a slate without a mayoral candidate, however, he remained involved on the political scene ever since and announced a 1st Ward council run in January.

He took the fight to Mayor Ravi Bhalla and the administration on countless occasions, eventually drawing an opponent in Rafi Cordova – the chair of the rent leveling and stabilization board.

Cordova announced on May 18th with the support of Bhalla and former 1st Ward Councilwoman Theresa Castellano, who lost to current local representative Mike DeFusco in 2015.

DeFusco announced he wasn’t seeking re-election on May 2nd, prompting Cordova to jump in the race shortly thereafter.

While Presinzano fell just short of 50 percent plus one on November 7th, a contest that also included former Health and Human Services Director Leo Pellegrini – who came in a distant third – he managed to come out on top again this evening

Cordova received 10 less votes in the runoff than he received in November, 2023. 

Council Runoff Results

Here are the unofficial results as of 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, as reported by the county of Hudson. 

• Paul Presinzano: 692
• Rafi Cordova: 529
• TOTAL: 1,221

6,264 people are listed on the registered voter rolls in the 1st Ward.

For comparison, these were the official results from the three-way race last month:

Former Hoboken Assistant Superintendent of Schools Dr. Miguel Hernandez Passes Away at 58

Sad news about former Hoboken Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Hernandez.

Hernández, a native of Keyport and a resident of Middletown Township, died late last week at a hospital in Red Bank. He was 58.

Hernández, who held a doctorate in education leadership, served as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Hoboken, New Jersey. 

In February 2021, Hernández released a 104-page book titled “Letters from My Students” to encourage teachers and those aspiring to enter the profession during the pandemic.

Hernández was a standout athlete for the Red Raiders of Keyport High School, shining on the gridiron and the wrestling mat. He graduated with the Class of 1984.

Hernández is survived by his wife of 15 years, Janine Hopkins Hernández, and his father, Hipólito Hernández. He had four brothers and two sisters, according to his obituary.

A funeral Mass was scheduled for Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Parish at 376 Maple Place in Keyport. 

STORY: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/passaic/haledon/2023/11/13/manchester-regional-high-school-haledon-nj-mourning-loss-former-superintendent-miguel-hernandez/71567329007/?fbclid=IwAR3VgoIfMiEvyIB3OFju-katcAWB6cNi8hyD5it-_879UAXPBI9RLxU5gL4

‘Moms for Progress’ team sweeps Hoboken Board of Education race-By John Heinis/Hudson County View

Hudson County View reporting that The “Moms for Progress” ( Kids First legacy) slate swept the Hoboken Board of Education race in a largely uneventful contest that saw four candidates running for three, three-year terms.

The “Moms Leading Progress” Hoboken Board of Education slate: From left to right: Trustee-elect Sheillah Dallara, Trustee Chetali Khanna, and Trustee Sharyn Angley, the board president. Instagram photo.

Trustee Chetali Khanna was the top vote getter with 3,754, BOE President Sharyn Angley was right behind her at 3,704. Their running mate, Sheillah Dallara, received 3,590 votes, according to preliminary tallies from the Hudson County Clerk’s Office.

Dallara, who opted not to seek re-election last year after winning three-year terms in 2016 and 2019, ran in place of Trustee Melanie Tekirian, who coincidentally also decided not to run again after two terms in office.

Meanwhile, Angley and Khanna ran unopposed in 2020 with Tekirian as the “Hoboken Together” team.

This time around, their only opponent was perennial candidate Pat Waiters, who had some success, notching 2,539 votes, but leaving her just under a thousand votes from a board seat.

She was also on the ballot in the 2nd Ward council race, but she received only 65 votes, stating last month that she was going to focus on the BOE contest.

The school board race was largely absent of conflict this time around, with one of the only notable moments being when Trustee Ailene McGuirk endorsed the Moms Leading Progress slate and questioned why Waiters had campaign literature suggesting to write McGuirk in.

New Jersey Awards $41M to 243 School Districts for Tutoring- Hoboken District and Hoboken Charter Receive Awards

Trenton, New Jersey – The New Jersey Department of Education today announced approximately $41 million in preliminary grant awards for the implementation of High Impact Tutoring in approximately 240 New Jersey school districts to implement highly effective, evidence-based strategies that promote learning acceleration among students.

High Impact Tutoring is designed to enable school districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects, to work with educational service vendors, nonprofit organizations, and colleges and universities to provide tutoring services at scale and provide educational assistance to students. School districts, charter schools, and renaissance school projects are also able to utilize existing staff for specific tutoring programs outside of regular classroom instruction.

Full list of NJ District to receive funds: https://www.nj.gov/education/news/2023/NJDOEAnnouncesHighImpactTutoringGrants.pdf

The bid process requires districts to gain local school board approval, publicize their needs, advertise for 20 days and choose tutoring firms. In addition, tutoring firms will need time to hire and train additional tutors and run security checks. About 340 districts applied for the grants; those requesting more than $32,000 must solicit bids from tutoring companies that can provide the services.

Full story: https://www.nj.com/education/2023/11/state-awards-41m-to-243-districts-for-tutoring-is-yours-among-them.html

Hoboken Dual Language School Becomes First Charter School to Receive School Leader Award for 2023- Executive Director Jen Sargent Also Recognized and Honored

As many regular readers of this blog know, I was an original Board member of the Hola Dual Language School and proudly served in that capacity for over a decade. It is wonderful to see this public school thriving and becoming a model school and program not only in Hoboken or in New Jersey but nationally. Congratulations to the Founder and Executive Direct Jennifer Sargent for her leadership and vision. -Dr. Petrosino 

The Hoboken Dual Language Charter School (HoLa) has become the first charter school to receive the School Leader Award from the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) for 2023. The announcement came on Monday, Sept. 25.

HoLa is a K-8 dual language public charter school in Hoboken with more than 415 students. Students predominantly join HoLa in kindergarten and, regardless of language background, spend 90 percent of their day in Spanish-speaking classrooms in the early grades. Students gradually receive increasing amounts of instruction in English as they get older, and by 4th grade, instruction is 50 percent Spanish and 50 percent English.

HoLa was specifically recognized for the successful launch of its AP Spanish program in Middle School, an initiative that has enriched the educational experience of its students.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire HoLa community,” said Jen Sargent, HoLa’s executive director and co-founder. “We are honored to be recognized by the NJSBA for our innovative programs and our commitment to student success. This remarkable success stems from the unique experience our students receive, starting in kindergarten, where they seamlessly master the art of reading and writing in both Spanish and English.”

Hola Graduation 2023
Executive Director Jen Sargent far right

HoLa’s School Leader Award will be presented to their leadership team at a Hudson County School Boards Association (HCSBA) event on Nov. 28. The school will also be featured in the NJSBA School Leader magazine later this year, showcasing the school’s efforts. HoLa is the only free public Spanish / English dual language charter school in the state.

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Read the full story at: https://www.nj.com/hudson/2023/10/hola-becomes-first-charter-school-to-receive-school-leader-award.html?fbclid=IwAR3w-VzhnoPOL1ouwa83jYHrQtMYLFtXzdIRQG4YxxhEe2E9DG5f9vRs-go

Algebra I Scores in Hoboken Show No Growth and No Advancement

Algebra I* scores in the Hoboken School District along 3 different time points- 2015, 2021, and 2023-24. Little to no growth. Little to no advancement. No accountability. Easy to claim things are "going well"--and "getting better" and "leading progress" but the data shows a much different story. Research shows students who complete higher levels of math in high school experience lower rates of unemployment and receive higher salaries, on average, than their less-accomplished peers.

2015 Algebra I Scores- Hoboken

2021 Algebra I Scores- Hoboken 

2023-24 Algebra I Scores- Hoboken 

What does this actually mean for Hoboken High School? Here's an example: There are roughly 450 students in the high school. Almost all must take Algebra I. An 8% proficiency rate means there are roughly 36 students leaving the high school with grade level understanding of Algebra I and 414 who are not. And the data charts posted above show this has been ongoing at least since 2015. 

Please note, this is a district with a 13:1 student teacher ratio, $27,000 per student, and 20% of student families qualifying for Free or Reduced lunch (see demographic data below). 

It is doubtful anyone can find another district in the country that exhibits this type of educational outcomes with these types of resources.

Hoboken District Demographic Data
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Hoboken District Free or Reduced Lunch 
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In conclusion, Higher levels of math achievement benefit you in the labor market regardless of whether you graduate high school. James notes that the earnings gap between high school grads with high and low math is about 10% — the same return, he says, as comes from one year of college.

* This includes any students who were enrolled in an Algebra I course and took the Algebra I assessment in grades 7 through 12. Students in sixth grade who were enrolled in Algebra I course during the 2021-22 school year were required to take both the Algebra I and Grade 6 mathematics assessment. The results of their Algebra I assessment are not included in these results but will be reported when the student in in grade 9.

HOBOKEN BOARD OF EDUCATION ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR ENDEDJUNE 30, 2022

 Embedded is the 2022 Hoboken School District Financial Report. Of special interest to many might be Chart J-18 (p. 181) which has school by school information on square footage, student capacity, and student enrollment (see Figure 1). 

DIRECT LINK: https://www.scribd.com/document/677603944/Hoboken-ACFR-Report-Financial-Report-2022

Hoboken ACFR Report Financial Report 2022 by Tony Petrosino on Scribd

Figure 1: Chart J-18 - p.181
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Hoboken City Council Candidates Debates Schedule October 6th (Wards 1, 3, 5) and October 9th (Wards 2, 4, 6)

In person: The Tech Flex Center is the University’s primary event space. It can host large events with 600 guests lecture-style and 425 guests at round tables. This space is equipped with modern technology and can also be divided into three equally sized event rooms to host multiple events at one time. 

Facebook: Facebook.com/hudsoncountyview LINK: https://www.facebook.com/hudsoncountyview

 

Presentation: 2023 PME-NA Conference - ESTABLISHING STATISTICAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR COMPARISONS USING PATTERN-BASED ITEMS: CHANGE AT SCALE

I recently presented a paper at the 2023 North American Chapter of the Psychology of Mathematics Education Conference in Reno, Nevada. 

The conference theme is Engaging All Learners. Math learning should be a joyful experience for all students. When students are engaged and inspired, they are motivated to learn. Instruction that targets the learning needs and interests of our students makes it possible for students to excel in learning math. At our annual meeting, we will explore how to create conditions to support learning that build on student engagement and interest.

• How can we engage all students to learn math content by building on their interest and motivation to learn?
• How do we design learning environments that take students and learning into account?
• What are the design features of tools and curricula design features considering student engagement and interest in supporting learning?
• How do we build partnerships with schools and the community to support student engagement and math learning?
• What research agendas should we pursue to ensure that all students reach their potential by paying attention to engagement and learning needs?

Establishing Statistical Significance for Comparisons Using Pattern-Based Items: Change at Scale

Abstract: Tests of statistical significance often play a decisive role in establishing the empirical warrant of evidence-based research in education. The results from pattern-based assessment items, as introduced in this paper, are categorical and multimodal and do not immediately support the use of measures of central tendency as typically related to interpretations of measures of statistical significance. Responses from the duplicate implementation of selected pattern-based items (PBIs) in successive grades (3-8) as part of the statewide Interim Assessment Program in Texas are used to illustrate how non-parametric methods can be used to establish statistically significant comparisons of student results. Not all the repeat-item results improved across years.

Link to presentation: https://tinyurl.com/27hr86zv

Link to the full paper: https://tinyurl.com/mrt7d5m8

Reference: Stroup, W. A., Petrosino, A. J., Brady, C., and Duseau, K. (October, 2023). Establishing Statistical Significance for Comparisons Using Pattern-Based Items: Change at Scale. Proceedings of the 2023 Meeting of the North American Chapter of the Psychology of Mathematics Education. Reno, Nevada. 

Hoboken Junior Senior High School 2023-24 Rankings - Bottom 20% of NJ High Schools in State Assessment Proficiency

 

Figure 1: USN&WR 2023-24 Ranking

US News and World Report recently released their 2023-24 High School rankings (see figure 1). Below is the ranking and data on Hoboken Junior Senior High School including AP exams, proficiency in math, reading, and science as well as graduation rate.

US News and World Report data also indicates that there are 46 full time equivalent teachers and a total of 458 students for a student teacher ratio of roughy 10:1.

Figure 2: USN&WR 2023-24 Ranking Factors 

In the State of New Jersey Assessment Proficiency Rank, Hoboken High School is ranked 321 out of 399 ranked NJ high schools placing the school in the bottom fifth of all NJ high schools (see Figure 2). 

Are there positive aspects in this year's rankings--- yes, there are some promising areas. But, what remains are inexplicable and extremely low state assessments in science, mathematics, and reading-- the core components of a 21st center education. 

HOLA RECEIVES the 2023 School Leader Award from the New Jersey School Boards Association

 

CONGRATULATIONS HoLa ! HoLa is the recipient of a 2023 School Leader Award from the New Jersey School Boards Association. HoLa received the award in recognition of launching the AP Spanish program in Middle School. HoLa is the first charter school in the state to receive this honor!

The NJSBA School Leader Award is awarded to a district based on the level of innovation and how well the program inspires student growth and development. The NJSBA is a state-created federation of public school boards, created in 1914 to provide governance, training and support for the over 580 public school districts in New Jersey. The HoLa leadership team will be receiving the award at a ceremony this fall and will be featured in the School Leader magazine later this year.

Regular readers will recall that Superintendent Raslowsky and I originally proposed that HOLA be in the Hoboken Public School District. Unfortunately, our decision was voted down by the Hoboken Board of Education in February of 2009. Since that time, Hola has become the premier public school not only in Hoboken but in most of Hudson County and the State of New Jersey- especially in the area of dual language education.

At that February 2009 meeting, the Hoboken Board of Education voted on the Hola dual-language immersion program as follows:

Jimmy Farina -- no
Carmello Garcia -- yes
Theresa Minutillo -- no
Rose Marie Markle - no 
Carrie Gilliard - no "We cannot afford to do this - we're going to hurt our children that are here right now."
Frank Raia -- yes
Frances Rhodes-Kearns -- yes
Phil DeFalco was absent

"Hoboken cannot afford a trendy new program where it is wanted but not needed," said Jean Marie Mitchell, a former Board member and president of Calabro PTA.

Analysis of 2019 and 2022 Graduation Pathways: Hoboken High School - only 8% Graduating via the Traditional Route in Mathematics

While Hoboken High School has a recognized and applaudable overall graduation rate of 99%, a closer examination of the data reveals a more concerning story. 

The NJDOE allows 3 different graduation pathways, Traditional (NJSLA/PARCC); Substitute Competency; and Portfolio. 

2019 data shows only 15% of students graduating via the traditional route in Mathematics and 30% in English Language Arts or ELA. 2022 data show only 8% graduating via the traditional route in Mathematics. 

The preponderance of non traditional HS graduation pathways in 2019 in ELA and Mathematics and in 2022 in Mathematics reveals a serious deficiency in mathematics instruction at the secondary level as well as a need to look at ELA instruction more rigorously. 

Figure 1: USN&WR 2022
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Figure 2: HHS 2019 2022 HS Graduation Pathways
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English Language Arts and Literacy (ELA)

If, after completing the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment in grade 11, students did not demonstrate proficiency by passing the ELA component, such students may access the following pathways:

• Second Pathway: By meeting the designated cut score on a substitute competency test such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or ACCUPLACER; or
• Third Pathway: By submitting, through the district, a student portfolio appeal to the New Jersey Department of Education.

Mathematics

If, after completing the required New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment in grade 11, students did not demonstrate proficiency by passing the mathematics component, such students may access the following pathways:

• Second Pathway: By meeting the designated cut score on a substitute competency test such as the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or ACCUPLACER; or
• Third Pathway: By submitting, through the district, a student portfolio appeal to the New Jersey Department of Education.

Previosuly Unscheduled Hoboken Board of Education Meeting to be Held Tonight - August 15, 2023 6PM Hoboken HS Auditorium

 Hoboken School Board's NEW (previously unplanned) meeting is raising concerns especially given recent history. A BOE meeting with a limited agenda (3 items) and little details.

NJDOE Math Scores for 2019 and 2022 in Hoboken Middle and Hoboken High School are Abysmal

The importance of mathematics to your child's success can not be overstated. Basic math is a necessity, but even abstract math can help hone critical thinking skills — even if your child chooses not to pursue a STEM-style career. Math can help them succeed professionally, emotionally and cognitively.

Recent mathematics scores in the Hoboken Public Schools are abysmal. Only 9% of Middle and High School students were proficient in Math in 2019 (Figure 1) and 8% were proficient in the most recent Math NJDOE scores in 2022 (Figure 2). 

Has Superintendent Christine Johnson presented the community with a plan? Has the Director of Mathematics Instruction discussed remediation efforts at a Board Meeting? Is ANYONE accountable for these extremely low scores? 

Figure 1: US News and World Report 2019

Figure 2: US News and World Report 2022

HoLa Dual Language Continues to Excel in Hoboken - Every 8th Grader Passes the Pathway to Biliteracy Assessment!

The HoLa Dual Language School in Hoboken reports that EVERY single 8th grade 2023 HoLa graduate met or surpassed the criteria for the Pathway to Biliteracy assessment! Transcripts and report cards have been updated to indicate the Pathway to Biliteracy designation.

Founded in 2010, Hoboken Dual Language Charter School (HoLa) is the first and only free public Spanish + English Dual Language Charter School in New Jersey. The school educates 420+ Students from K to 8th. Dr. Petrosino was a founding Board member of HoLa

Last spring, HoLa was also one of just two schools in New Jersey to participate in the initial pilot administration of a new bilingual proficiency assessment called Pathway to Biliteracy, developed collaboratively through a partnership with the organizations Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey (FLENJ) and New Jersey Teachers of English to Students of Other Languages / New Jersey Bilingual Educators (NJTESOL-NJBE).

The assessment includes reading, writing, listening and speaking components, and was designed specifically for graduating 8th graders, to determine whether they have mastered an established level of bilingual proficiency and are on track to receive the Seal of Biliteracy on their High School diplomas in 12th grade.

Note: HoLa is annually ranked by the New Jersey Department of Education as a top performing school in the state — in 2023, ranking in the top 5% of all New Jersey Public Schools. HoLa is also designated as a Dual Language Model Program for the state. The Middle School is the first in the state to have its curriculum approved for the College Board’s AP exam program, enabling students to take the Spanish AP exam in 8th grade to qualify for college credits.