New Jersey Statehouse Watch

This didn’t age well. Remember when @GovSherrillNJ scoffed at the idea of NJ schools looking like Louisiana or Mississippi? Fast forward. New Jersey is now #30 in student growth, FAR BEHIND Louisiana, Mississippi, and 27 other states. According to Laura Waters in @njedreport : njedreport.com/new-jersey-stu… She writes: “According to the rankings, New Jersey is ranked #30 in student growth, despite massive spending from the state (projected to be $12.4 billion next year, a 3.1% increase from last year, plus a big chunk of your property taxes).” “The drop for NJ eighth graders in reading was especially precipitous, 3.8 points, one of the worst performances among all states, and proficiency scores in the other subjects — fourth grade reading and math and eighth grade math — dropped about one point.” “In contrast, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee saw increases in proficiency in every subject. In Louisiana, fourth graders increased scores in math by almost six points and 3.7 points in reading.” She also points to a mix of causes (might I add spearheaded by the Democrat Majority and supported by the NJEA) for NJ's massive decline: lowered standards that mask reality, long school closures, lack of accountability, grade inflation, and a system focused on inputs instead of results. How'd that work? • Asbury Park – 12.6% of 4th graders reading at grade level • Trenton (Thomas Jefferson School) – 2.8% • Newark (Grover Cleveland School) – 6% of 4th graders proficient in math • Camden (Cooper’s Poynt School) – 0% proficiency in math Stop defending the indefensible. You can’t spin it, you can’t excuse it, and you can’t throw more money at it. Start listening to stakeholders with proven results of measurable student outcomes. 🗞️WaPo Op-Ed: washingtonpost.com/opinions/2026/… 🎥 Video credit: bg.loves.math