‘Start Strong’ NJ State Assessments Show Foundation Academies Accelerated Student Learning During Pandemic

Earlier this month, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) released school and district-level results from last fall’s Start Strong assessments. Administered in September and October of 2021, Start Strong is New Jersey’s first statewide exam that provides insight on how the coronavirus pandemic and related school closures impacted student learning throughout New Jersey.  

The data from Trenton was especially strong, with 78 percent and 157 percent more likely to approach or exceed grade level standards in ELA and in math, respectively. 

Analysis of the data shows students in the state’s five largest charter cities – Newark, Trenton, Camden, Jersey City, and Paterson – are 32 percent more likely to approach or meet grade level standards in English language arts (ELA) and 55 percent more  likely to approach or meet grade level standards in mathematics compared to their traditional district  peers. These results clearly demonstrate that public charter schools have accelerated student learning for  low-income students of color during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic.  

The 2021 Start Strong results are undeniable: Public charter schools are providing stable and welcoming learning environments that accelerate student learning for families of color. For more information, please visit https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/start-strong-state-assessments-prove-new-jerseys-public-charter-schools-accelerate-student-learning-during-pandemic/.