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District reports NJGPA results: 328 graduates; district outperforms state and notes subgroup gains
Summary
District presenters told the board the Class of 2025 graduated 328 students, described alternative pathways (substitute competency tests and portfolio appeals) and highlighted math gains for students with disabilities; board members asked clarifying questions about credit requirements and graduation timing.
Dr. Stella presented the district's 2025 NJGPA results, telling the board that "this year, we graduated 328 students" and outlining how students who did not meet cut scores may use alternate pathways to satisfy graduation assessment requirements.
Stella said 54 students used substitute competency tests (examples cited: SAT, PSAT, ACCUPLACER) and 65 students graduated via a portfolio appeal process where internally scored performance tasks are submitted to the state. She cautioned the slide comparisons shown are not cohort data and noted the state had not finalized alternate-pathway communications for the Class of 2026; the district anticipates communication and retake windows in October and March. "We assure all of our families that there are a variety of pathways, and we will assure them that they will meet the benchmarks when it is time," Stella said.
On subgroup performance, Stella said district students outperformed state averages in both English language arts and mathematics overall and flagged a notable improvement in mathematics among students with disabilities between last year and this year, while emphasizing the comparisons are across different graduating classes and not direct cohort tracking.
Stella described interventions planned for students who are not yet graduation-ready (targeted supports in the early weeks of the school year and the portfolio option) and noted changes to ELL staffing that will place an English-learner instructor in each high-school building during lunch and opportunity periods to increase continuity of supports. She also described Access for ELLs testing and the exit score (4.5) used to determine whether students continue to receive services.
A board member asked why students who appear otherwise ready still sit for senior-year courses; Stella explained that graduation readiness includes assessment plus credit and course requirements (the district uses 130 credits compared with the state's 120) and described the district policy allowing students to pursue a three-year graduation pathway if indicated by the end of freshman year.
Stella said the district will share a fuller NJSLA data report in October and bring survey results and additional data to the board in September.
