Grades differ significantly from school to school and class to class. Montclair parents deserve to know what grades really mean.

Schools should describe exactly what's included in each grade - quizzes, participation, attendance, homework?

Schools should also display each student's state test results for math, reading and science alongside the letter grades on the final report card.

Montclair should name math and reading as a priority in their strategic plan.

Montclair needs to set numerical goals for math and reading performance that can be tracked over time.

While math and reading aren't the only skills that matter, they are essential for every child's success.

At any time in the school year, parents should be able to know how their child is performing against grade-level expectations.

Provide parents with real-time access to all formative assessments - benchmarks, screenings, and diagnostics.

Ensure each student has a plan to improve, with parents and teachers working together to track progress against the plan.

Located just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair seems to provide an ideal suburban getaway. The school district is a major draw for young homebuyers and community members, receiving an overall rating of A-, with all the elementary schools receiving an A or A- rating. 

The average home price in Montclair is over $1 million and per-pupil spending is over $23,000 per student.

Yet alongside the charm of its downtown and pricey homes is an inconvenient truth about the true performance of Montclair’s public schools.

Math

• 38% of 4th graders not on grade level

• 47% of 6th graders not on grade level

• 62% of students taking Algebra are not meeting course expectations

Reading

• 35% of 4th graders not on grade level

• 31% of 6th graders not on grade level

• 32% of 9th graders not on grade level

Source: NJ State Assessment Results