Verona — Verona Public Schools officials presented results from the 2024–25 New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) and the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) at the Sept. 30 Board of Education meeting, saying the district posted year-over-year gains in English language arts and mathematics while continuing to face challenges on the state science assessment.

Superintendent Diane DiGiuseppe and Marissa Ackerman, director of school and guidance, told the board that most tested grades showed growth in students meeting or exceeding standards in ELA and math, with the district outpacing state averages in both subjects. Ackerman highlighted seventh-grade ELA as a notable success: “We had 83% meeting or exceeding, and 53% of that was exceeding,” she said. The district also reported strong year-over-year percentage-point gains in multiple math grades.

Why it matters: Board members and administrators said the results guide curriculum and intervention planning, particularly the district’s use of academic intervention periods added to the HBW schedule and new literacy and math programs. Ackerman said the district uses NJSLA and MAP Growth data to identify students who need targeted support and noted that teacher professional development and new programs (HMH Into Reading for K–5, Dimension/Amplify Math for grades 5–8) aim to sustain growth.

On science, both Ackerman and DiGiuseppe cautioned that statewide science results remain weak and may reflect problems with the assessment as well as alignment. Ackerman said the science assessment is only administered in grades 5, 8 and 11 and that, while Verona’s raw scores are lower than in math and ELA, the district generally performed at or above its state peers. Board members raised concerns about whether test items align with standards and how hands-on instruction translates to a multiple‑choice/constructed‑response format. One board member summarized the concern: “It makes it very difficult ... to gear out the answer. Because you might be teaching the right science, but it’s not the science that could be tested.”

DLM results: The board heard a separate report on the DLM, the alternate assessment for students on significantly modified curricula. The presenter said 15 students participated districtwide; in math, 10 were classified as emerging, two approaching target and three on target; in ELA, most students were in the emerging category with two approaching, two on target and one advanced. Staff said results will inform IEP goals and individualized instruction.

Next steps and state changes: Administrators emphasized that the NJSLA will move to an adaptive format and that the state has changed testing vendors from Pearson to Cambium for the adaptive rollout. The district will participate in a statewide field test from Oct. 27–Nov. 14; spring results will reflect the adaptive model and complicate year‑to‑year comparisons. Ackerman said item-level reports from Measurement Incorporated (the current vendor) let teachers identify specific standards to reteach; she said comparable item detail for science is more limited.

Action taken: The board approved the education resolutions on the agenda (resolutions B1–B9) by roll call vote (ayes recorded from Waka, Ferreira, Prisco, Boone). The board also discussed but did not change district testing policy at the meeting.

Less critical context: Administrators noted the district will continue internal curriculum alignment work and targeted professional development; they described the science results as a district priority for follow-up rather than a regulatory crisis.