Hardyston students exceed state average on tests

HARDYSTON — Hardyston Township students have exceeded state averages in third through eighth-grade and by more than 20 percent in fifth grade, according to recently released New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge testing results.

In math 98 percent of fifth- and sixth-graders were proficient and all fourth graders were proficient in science.

The ASK tests monitor language arts and math development in language arts and math, and fourth and eighth grade in science. Students can be ranked as partially proficient, proficient or advanced proficient.

The special education scores aren't so universally excellent. In the fifth, sixth and seventh grades, the percentage of students achieving proficiency in language arts didn't meet the state's standard and nor did they in fifth through eighth grade in math. However, the third- and fourth-grade students exceeded the standard in both categories, and Hardyston's special education students were proficient in science in both fourth and eighth grade.

Richard Corbett, chief school administrator, admits that special education is a special challenge but said test scores in this area are also highly vulnerable to fluctuation. “When you are working with a small group of students, the performance of one person can affect the whole group,” he said.

Corbett also said that the special education math scores were of concern and would be addressed, but didn't specify how.

"It's important to look at the whole picture," he said. “It's important to look at the students, look at the reasons. Then you talk to teachers and offer help.”

Corbett said he feels like the teachers are struggling with the new common core standards and that it's important to give them the extra support needed.