While they can also be deemed useful, state-issued test scores are just one highly subjective piece of the puzzle in determining student progress, according to Superintendent of Schools Donna Cardiello.

Cardiello made that argument during a comprehensive visual presentation at the Board of Education (BOE) meeting on Nov. 27. While discussing the district’s results in the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) tests taken last spring, Cardiello made it clear that the outcome of these tests is but a single aspect of understanding how a district is performing overall. In addition to the state-issued tests, she said, student progress should be measured by the results of norm-referenced standardized tests (NRTs), teacher-made tests, portfolios and running records of individuals, observations, report cards, student profiles in kindergarten through grade three, and grade level meetings.

The NJ ASK test is administered to elementary school students in grades three through eight every April and May. Students in each grade are tested in both mathematics and language arts. Grades four and eight are also tested in science. In presenting the specific results garnered by district students, Cardiello said they are comparable to those achieved by other area students from similar District Factor Groups (DFGs). In New Jersey, districts are issued a DFG designation based on a variety of socioeconomic and educational factors including median income and high school graduation percentage. From lowest socioeconomic status to highest, the categories are A, B, CD, DE, FG, GH, I and J. Wanaqueis currently categorized as a DE district.

Cardiello began her presentation by saying that most of the district’s NJ ASK test scores from 2012 are in line with those averaged from other DE districts, but she added, "Our concerns are about the children of Wanaque."

A few notable exceptions stand out in her report, such as the 72 percent of district fourth-graders declared proficient or advanced-proficient in language arts compared to 58.4 percent with a similar result in other DE districts. The most negative result seen in the local scores is that 56.3 percent of district seventh-graders deemed proficient or advanced-proficient in language arts compared to 61.3 percent of DE districts.

"Language arts scores are seeing a downward trend overall," Cardiello noted of the seventh grade. She produced a line graph of statewide test scores from 2008-11 to back up that statement. She then wondered aloud about the cause of the decline by saying, "Is it the kids, or the teachers, or the test?"

Cardiello noted that because the test questions change from year to year, NJ ASK results cannot be used to accurately measure progress in a district.

"We don’t have finite data to conclude that it’s the test," she said.

She followed that up by saying educators need other tests to administer as a benchmark, since the state "is going to enforce the continuation of core assessments." Teacher tests, she explained, are based on common core standards using available textbooks. She admitted the district is "shy in having instructional material that supports the common core," but she added that the publishing companies are behind in producing textbooks reflecting the new standards.

"You’re talking about an $80,000 investment" to obtain new texts, she said, adding that there’s no point in "rushing headlong" into purchasing something that might already be outdated.

Trustee Daniel Sinclair asked Cardiello if other materials could be substituted for the ones currently in use by the district until updated textbooks can be found.

"I think it’s better that we wait a year," she answered, "and purchase for next September." Particularly in the math realm, Cardiello said, "You want the text to be right."

After going over the test results, Cardiello’s presentation went on to list 14 different ways to improve student performance. They included identifying areas for individual improvement; enhancing curriculum to increase expectations; collaborating withRingwood and Lakeland Regional High School in professional development, grade level and subject area; enhancing teacher training and support; meeting with teachers to review assessment results and share instructional strategies; providing enrichment opportunities or support for students displaying a need for them; finding alternate ways to motivate those that are struggling; and expanding professional development options for faculty and staff.

In discussing ways to improve student performance, Cardiello made special mention of her belief that the district should continue to emphasize writing across all subjects throughout the school day. In this age, she insisted, "Every teacher must be a language arts teacher," no matter what subject is being taught.

Cardiello is in the middle of her first school year as district superintendent. She was hired by the BOE to replace Dr. Richard Weisenfeld, who retired in June. Prior to her arrival inWanaque, Cardiello spent five years as superintendent of schools in North Haledon.

Email: stewart@northjersey.com