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Parents and teachers spar over low state test scores and use of iReady; board moves to update PE locker-room policy
Summary
Multiple parents and teachers raised concerns about low state ELA proficiency at South Toms River and the district's use of iReady; teachers defended the program as one assessment among many. The board's policy committee presented updated PE language that lets students opt out of locker-room use and grades participation rather than preparedness.
Several public commenters used the board's public-comment period to press district leaders about low state test scores and the classroom role of iReady.
"I Ready is an enrichment program. It's not an education program," Krista Whitaker (speaker 17) told the board, saying she has repeatedly raised concerns about reliance on computer‑based assignments at elementary schools and noting low third‑ and fourth‑grade ELA proficiency percentages in South Toms River.
District staff and teachers offered a different view. At the lectern, teacher Robin Goodzak (speaker 24) said teachers have used iReady as one diagnostic tool during extended data dives and asserted that educators have worked to close learning gaps since the pandemic: "Do we love iReady? Maybe we all don't love it, but it is giving us numbers to help move our kids forward," she said.
The board's policy committee, led by Ashley (speaker 9), presented updated language to Policy 2422 (comprehensive physical education). The change eliminates strict uniform shirt requirements, clarifies that appropriate footwear (sneakers) remains required for safety, and allows students who do not feel comfortable in locker rooms to forego locker-room use and still be graded on participation rather than preparation. Ashley said supervision will be provided and that the changes came after families raised concerns.
Board members and staff connected the policy change to bullying concerns raised during public comment, noting that locker rooms are spaces where students can feel particularly vulnerable and that removing a strict locker-room requirement may reduce opportunities for harassment. The superintendent and committee members pledged to follow up on individual bullying incidents and to provide supports through school-based teams.
The meeting also included reminders that the district is doing a "kindness campaign" and that social‑emotional programs are being expanded; administrators offered to meet with parents individually to address specific student cases.
No final vote to adopt the PE policy was recorded at this meeting; the committee placed the update for first reading and the board scheduled subsequent procedural steps.
