Thursday, April 17, 2025

Latest NJDOE Data Shows 78% of Hoboken School District Students Not Meeting NJDOE Expectations in Algebra I

Robert Moses was a civil rights leader and mathematics educator who founded THE ALGEBRA PROJECT. One of Robert Moses' notable and powerful statements was: '“Math literacy will be a liberation tool for people trying to get out of poverty and the best hope for people trying not to get left behind.” I'm sure we all share common ground on the critical importance of Algebra instruction. Below is 2023-24 NJDOE data on Algebra performance in the Hoboken School District with the associated URL for your review. 

It clearly shows 78% of Hoboken students tested by the state in Algebra 1 are not meeting NJDOE expectations


80% of economically disadvantaged students tested by the state in Algebra 1 are not meeting NJDOE expectations 


75% of non-economically disadvantaged students tested by the state in Algebra 1 are not meeting NJDOE expectations. 


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I am deeply disappointed and frankly alarmed by the recently released NJDOE data showing that 78% of our students are not meeting expectations in Algebra. This is more than just a statistic—it’s a reflection of a systemic issue that is failing our children and compromising their future.

Algebra is a gatekeeper to higher-level math, science, and ultimately college and career opportunities. When nearly four out of five students in our district are struggling to meet basic benchmarks, it’s not just an academic problem—it’s a social justice issue. These outcomes limit access, stifle potential, and perpetuate inequality.

I urge district leadership and school board members to treat this as the crisis it is. We need transparency, we need accountability, and most of all, we need a plan. Our students deserve high-quality instruction, meaningful support, and the chance to thrive—not be left behind.

This community cannot afford to accept these numbers as normal.


Enhanced Chart
2023-2024 Algebra I Scores 
Hoboken Public Schools
CLICK TO ENLARGE