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New Providence reports strong assessment results, expanded AP participation and targeted use of federal relief funds
Summary
District officials told the board the New Providence School District posted combined ELA and math NJSLA results showing 81% of students met or exceeded expectations, increased AP participation and used CARES/ESSER funds for learning-loss programs, mental health supports and expanded after-school and summer offerings.
Jonathan Keaney, director of curriculum, instruction and supervision for the New Providence School District, told the board Oct. 17 that the district achieved a combined ELA and math NJSLA rate in which 81% of students met or exceeded expectations.
Keaney said the district has directed federal pandemic-relief funding (CARES, ESSER II and ESSER-ARP) into five priority areas: an ARP learning-loss program, accelerated learning coaching/support, mental-health supports, beyond-the-school-day programming, and expanded summer learning and enrichment. He described programs run under those headings, including Summer Learning Academy sessions, small-group instruction, math coaching and professional development, expanded after-school music and STEM, social-emotional learning curriculum and mini-camps, and additional Spanish-speaking counseling support.
The ARP Learning Loss Program was reported to have served over 350 students; mental-health supports addressed more than 200 students; beyond-the-school-day programs served over 120 students; and summer learning and enrichment served over 200 students, according to Keaney.
Keaney highlighted specific academic indicators: the district saw a notable increase in Advanced Placement enrollment and exam-taking, from 197 AP students and 397 exams the prior year to 235 students and 531 exams this year. Keaney reported an AP pass rate of about 88% and that 90% of AP students scored a three or higher. He also said AP Environmental Science achieved a 100% pass rate.
The presentation covered the Project Lead The Way program, which Keaney said showed a 98% pass rate across three courses (Aerospace Engineering, Intro to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering). Keaney also gave a snapshot of the Class of 2024: 98% of graduates continued their education after graduation and 95% enrolled in four-year colleges.
Board member Jennifer Killea asked whether the ACT is offered in-district; Keaney confirmed the district offers both ACT and SAT testing on-site. Keaney noted the district has introduced the iReady program for math and said early signals suggest the program is supporting stronger math outcomes, though he cautioned it may be too early for a full evaluation.
Why it matters: board members were presented with both the data and the programming that district leaders say produced these outcomes, including sustained investment from federal relief funds and district initiatives to expand advanced-course access.
Next steps: administration will distribute the district Needs Assessment to students (grades 5through 12), staff and parents and will provide strategic-planning updates at the November board meeting.
