High schools
The bill is facing some opposition from critics who say test scores keep districts and teachers accountable.
State education leaders voted to change the New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment passing scores to 725, down from the original 750 scores.
The state Department of Education recommended lowering the passing score but some board members worried that could reduce career and college readiness.
Last year, the state adopted a higher passing score than one recommended by education officials, but promised to review the results to determine if New Jersey should lower the benchmark for juniors this year.
Emails obtained by Chalkbeat Newark show the growing tensions among students and pleas from frustrated teachers and a parent asking school leaders to stop and prevent racist harassment on campus.
This year, incoming high schoolers are required to take their admissions test in early February but Newark has not clarified if the exam will be given to students this year.
After years of negotiating, Newark Public Schools and NJ Transit will launch a monthly bus pass program for high school students next year.
The Newark Community Street Team will partner with the Newark Opportunity Youth Network charter school to support student mental health and provide violence prevention and intervention.
New Jersey’s largest school district welcomes back more than 38,000 students to Newark schools with its mask mandate still in place.
In 2019, a Newark Public Schools teacher filed a lawsuit against the former Sussex Avenue principal Darleen Gearhart alleging harassment, retaliation, and discrimination in the workplace. The lawsuit is ongoing.
Two new principals take the helm at Science Park and Vocational High Schools.
Talena Lachelle Queen focuses on love in her classroom and infuses poetry in her language arts class.
Malcolm X Shabazz High School in Newark has struggled with violence and low academic achievement for years, even as parents and employees pleaded for help.
KIPP’s Stephanie Rivera-Beltre helps students aim high and apply to college. It’s her dream job.
A revamped environmental studies program at Central High School will help prepare students for possible jobs as climate change analysts and renewable energy engineers.
At Newark’s annual enrollment fair on Saturday, the comprehensive high schools showcased new vocational programs while trying to combat negative perceptions of the schools.
With great fanfare, Newark has unveiled its latest career academy, one with an engineering focus at Malcolm X Shabazz High School.
Newark will open a new international-themed high school next year, with hopes of training future diplomats and business leaders fluent in world languages.
Barringer High School now offers a law and safety program. Students at West Side High School can choose from five business and finance tracks.
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