NJ school performance data: Measuring achievement – NJ Spotlight News

Enrollment in advanced classes and performance on standardized tests used for college admission have remained consistent in recent years.

Participation in Advanced Placement, or AP, and International Baccalaureate courses have been consistent since the 2018-19 school year. Nearly 36% of students enrolled in at least one AP or IB course last year, with about 31% taking a corresponding exam. Rates are lower for certain student groups, including multilingual learners who only signed up for the courses at a rate of about 1 in 10 students. Half as many Black students enrolled in AP or IB courses as white students, based on percentages.

Of the students signed up to take an AP or IB exam, more are meeting benchmarks over the last two years. During the 2021-22 school year, 19.9% of students earned a passing score. Last year, 23% of students did.

New Jersey ranks second in the country for the percentage of public high schools offering AP courses, according to the College Board, which administers AP exams. The state ranks first for high schools offering at least five AP courses.

Average SAT scores declined slightly in both reading, writing and math since the 2021-22 school year. In the 2023-24 school year 65% of students scored at or above the benchmark in reading and writing, down from 68%. In math, 46% of students scored at or above the benchmark, down from 49%.

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This reporting is made possible [in part] by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.