You read that right: 55% of NJ fourth graders can't do math at grade level. By sixth grade, it’s 64%.

But 80% of kids in NJ public schools get A’s and B’s in math on their report cards anyway. So parents don’t actually know whether their own child is behind. The longer that continues, the harder for kids to catch up on skills they need for life.

That’s why Wake Up Call is making three big asks of our schools to serve our students:

• Tell parents what those grades mean. If grades focus more on classroom participation than math skills, parents need other data to know if their child is learning the math they need to know this year.

• Share student quiz and test results in real time. Kids take benchmark and screening tests throughout the year, which can help parents spot a problem. Math and reading both build upon prior skills, so the sooner we help students, the better.

• Put clear academic goals in the district’s strategic plan. New Jersey schools have become comfortable with a quarter, a third or even half of their students being behind grade level. Setting measurable goals can ensure every student thrives.

But this is just a start. Together we can improve New Jersey schools.  Let us know your ideas (more pre-K, longer school year, better curriculum?).