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District presents NJSLA results, identifies algebra 1 as focus for improvement
Summary
Director of curriculum Matt Hall told the board Hunterdon Central outperformed state averages in some ELA and geometry cohorts but flagged falling performance in the algebra 1 cohort; the district set a goal to raise math proficiency 3% and outlined MTSS/RTI, IXL, tutorials and a targeted lunch-support program.
Director of Curriculum Matt Hall presented spring 2025 NJSLA and graduation pathways results, compared district performance to New Jersey averages and described interventions planned to raise math performance.
Hall said Hunterdon Central continues to perform above the state average in English language arts and in small accelerated math cohorts such as ninth-grade geometry, where "100% of the students met or exceeded their grade level expectation in geometry" (presentation reference). At the same time he warned that the larger algebra 1 cohort is an area of concern: many students in that cohort are performing below the "exceeding" level and the district's five-year trend for algebra 1 has been downward.
Hall explained technical context for the math scores: different cohorts take different assessments (geometry, algebra 1, algebra 2), which affects group sizes and year-to-year noise. He cited subgroup gaps in some demographics: "our Hispanic and Latino and our Black and African American students are performing at a lower level," and said smaller subgroup sizes can cause fluctuation in percentages.
To address the algebra 1 trend, the district outlined a multi-pronged strategy tied to its district goal of improving math proficiency by 3 percentage points versus the 2024'25 baseline. Planned steps include fully staffed RTI periods (tier 2 supports), targeted use of IXL for skill gaps, after-hours and block tutorials, weekly targeted lunch support groups for invited at-risk students, bell-ringer problems modeled on NJSLA/NJGPA question types, curricular calibration to assessment performance levels, and closer vertical articulation with sending districts.
Hall also reviewed graduation pathways and noted the district's 2025 graduation rate of 98.6% compared with the New Jersey rate of 91.3%. He said alternatives to the NJGPA (alternative assessments and portfolio appeals) accounted for some students meeting graduation requirements outside the primary pathway.
Board members asked clarifying questions about performance-level cut scores, intervention participation rates and slide formatting; Hall acknowledged some state-level opacity about how cut scores are set and said the district is focusing on detecting gaps earlier and providing staff to connect with students.
What happens next: Hall said the district will return with more detailed slide data and metrics and recommended continuing MTSS/RTI efforts and curricular alignment work.
