EducationBrief
Newark’s 2026 test scores reflect a new state baseline
New Jersey changed its tests and proficiency thresholds for spring 2026, making the new results a baseline rather than a direct comparison with earlier years.
The numbers
- Newark tested traditional public and charter students meeting English expectations, Chalkbeat analysis
- 35.7 %
- Newark tested traditional public and charter students meeting math expectations, Chalkbeat analysis
- 30.1 %
- Statewide tested English language arts students in grades 3–9 reaching levels 4 or 5
- 51.1 %
- Statewide tested math students, grades 3–8 plus end-of-course exams, reaching levels 4 or 5
- 41.7 %
Newark’s tested students met English and math expectations at rates of 35.7% and 30.1% on redesigned spring 2026 state assessments, according to Chalkbeat’s November 11 analysis.
The figures combine results from the city’s traditional public and charter schools. The New Jersey Department of Education treats 2026 as a new baseline: standards, adaptive test format, performance levels and cut scores changed together, so the results should not be directly compared with those from earlier years.
The adaptive exams adjust question difficulty in response to students’ answers, while the new cut scores set the thresholds used to classify proficiency. The shift changes the frame for interpreting the results, rather than showing by itself how much learning has changed.
Statewide, the department’s presentation reports that 51.1% of tested students in grades 3–9 reached performance levels 4 or 5 in English language arts. In math, 41.7% reached those levels across grades 3–8 and end-of-course assessments. Those statewide measures have their own tested bases.
In a November 9 report, NJ Spotlight News described state board members seeking analysis of tutoring and literacy initiatives. Education Commissioner Lily Laux emphasized examining tutoring quality and student data as officials evaluate how programs are carried out.
What we don't know yet
- How might later comparable assessments and other growth evidence distinguish learning changes from the 2026 assessment reset?
- How might officials evaluate tutoring and literacy implementation and program contribution under the new baseline discussed in NJ Spotlight’s November 9 report?
Sources cited
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