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.
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| Figure 1: USN&WR 2022 CLICK TO ENLARGE |
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| Figure 2: HHS 2019 2022 HS Graduation Pathways CLICK TO ENLARGE |
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.
