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Caldwell-West reports widespread gains on 2023–24 fall assessments, highlights equity-focused supports
Summary
At the Oct. 21 Board of Education meeting, district leaders said students made notable gains in reading and math across grades in 2023–24, with higher SAT benchmarks and stronger AP pass rates; staff cited multisensory phonics, targeted small-group instruction and professional development as drivers.
At its Oct. 21 public conference meeting, the Caldwell-West School District presented its annual fall assessment report for 2023–24, saying the district met its reading goal for grades 1–6 and posted across-the-board improvements in math and advanced-placement performance.
Superintendent Dr. Conlin summarized the results, saying 73% of students in grades 1–6 were reading on or above grade level, a 23-percentage-point increase compared with 2020, and that the district recorded its highest passing percentages since the pandemic in several grade bands. "We have made tremendous growth and achievement," the superintendent said, citing multisensory phonics instruction in grades K–3 and targeted small-group interventions as key strategies.
The presentation disaggregated results by race, gender and program status (including free- or reduced-price lunch, English-language learners, 504 plans and special education) and noted particular spikes in performance for cohorts moving from third to fourth grade and from sixth to seventh grade. District officials said 94% of 11th graders met the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) ELA requirement, exceeding state rates.
Math performance also improved: elementary grades outperformed the state by 14–19 percentage points, and the district reported that 100% of Algebra I eighth graders met or exceeded proficiency standards. The district noted an 8% jump in students meeting PSAT/SAT benchmarks compared with 2022–23 and an 8% improvement in 11th–12th grade passing rates in some math and ELA measures.
Officials highlighted extracurricular and advanced-course outcomes: James Caldwell High School had its highest recent participation in AP courses and, among students who took AP exams last year, roughly 85% scored a 3 or better. District staff also referenced growth on the Dynamic Learning Map for students with significant cognitive disabilities and invited community members to review interactive slides that will be posted on the district website.
Board members and staff encouraged families with questions to contact their child's principal; Miss Jones and Miss Jacobs were available at the meeting to answer specific inquiries. The presentation concluded with a reminder that the slides and underlying links will be posted online for public review.
The board held no vote on the presentation; it moved next to a public-comment period that focused on a separate referendum proposal.
