More South Jersey schools not meeting federal progress goals

The number of local South Jersey schools that failed to meet federal progress goals has risen substantially, according to data released by state education officials Wednesday.

In Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester Counties, 194 schools fell short on standardized tests under the federal No Child Left Behind act in the 2009-10 academic year, compared with 116 the year before.

In Burlington County, 66 schools did not make "adequate yearly progress" (AYP), compared with 37 the year before. In Camden County, schools deemed lacking rose to 88 from 52. In Gloucester County, 40 did not meet the progress goals, as opposed to 27 the year before.

According to the Department of Education, the number of schools that did not meet AYP standards for two years in a row rose by 209 statewide. That brought the total of "schools in need of improvement" to 657.

In addition, the number of "districts in need of improvement" rose by 18, bringing the total to 57 of the state's 627, according to information provided by the department.

"Like a 'check engine' light in a car, the AYP data indicates that something in a school district may not be working properly," acting Commissioner Rochelle Hendricks said in a statement. "It could mean that only one small group of students in a school did not meet standards. Or it could be the first evidence of a systemic problem requiring sweeping change."

She said her department would work with districts to examine the data and take necessary action, and encouraged parents to contact schools that did not make adequate progress to get more information.

AYP results have fluctuated over the several years the federal law has been in effect as different groups of children pass through the schools and as New Jersey's assessment standards have changed, according to Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gantwerk.

Several factors determine if a school has made adequate progress, Gantwerk said.

While there is concern when the number of schools not making AYP goes up, she said, "you have to look deeply" to determine what the data truly reveal, she said.