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Orange superintendent reports HIB self-assessment scores and mixed NJSLA gains; district targets students just below proficiency
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Fitzhugh presented HIB self-assessment results and district NJSLA data showing math gains (Algebra I up 11.3 points, Geometry exceeding state averages) while many students remain in the 'approaching' band; district will target supports for near-proficient students.
Superintendent Dr. Fitzhugh presented the district’s HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying) self-assessment for 2023–24 and reviewed the spring NJSLA assessment results, highlighting gains in mathematics alongside areas that still fall short of proficiency.
Dr. Fitzhugh said the district’s overall highest HIB self-assessment score was 78 and listed top-performing schools, noting Cleveland and STEM Academy among the highest scorers. He credited staff commitment and professional development for improvements across measures.
Ms. Karen Harris, Executive Director for ELA and Humanities, summarized ELA proficiency and subgroup trends, reporting that multilingual learners comprised roughly 30% of test takers and that former English learners showed notable gains, with a five-percentage-point increase in passing rates for that cohort. "We have seen improvement among former multilingual learners," Harris said, while stressing continued work is needed to move more students from 'approaching' to 'meets.'
Mr. Scutari, Executive Director for STEM-focused learning, reported districtwide math growth of about 4.5 percentage points and singled out Algebra I, which rose by 11.3 points. "Geometry exceeded the state average by roughly 26 percentage points," he said, adding that several schools — including Heywood middle grades, Orange Preparatory Academy and STEM Academy — recorded passing rates well above state averages in specific subjects.
Despite those gains, district leaders emphasized many students cluster in the 'approaching' performance band, often scoring in the 740s just below the 750 threshold required for 'meets.' Ms. Harris said the priority this year is targeted supports for those students so they reach proficiency.
District leaders also described science assessment trends and the recent adoption of the NWEA as a nationally normed diagnostic tool to provide better year-to-year proficiency data in life, physical and space sciences. Mr. Scutari said the NWEA’s first full-year dataset will guide instruction and interventions going forward.
The superintendent closed by thanking staff for extended professional learning activities and said the district will continue using assessment diagnostics to target instruction and supports for students who narrowly missed proficiency.
