Here Is How Clark-Garwood Schools Were Graded: 2020 State Report

CLARK/GARWOOD, NJ — Several schools in Clark were ranked on the top half of a controversial rating system that educators say paints an incomplete picture of the state's 2,100 schools.

The new 2020 ratings, which rates schools on a 1-100 scale, were established to comply with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which replaced the controversial No Child Left Behind Act.

Based on the reports, it appears that schools that finished with at least a 50 score could be considered average. Schools that finish in the top 20 percent are considered above average.

In Union County, Academy For Information Technology, a Union County Vocational-Technical School had the highest score in the county, getting a 99.72.

Hubbard Middle School in Plainfield had the lowest score in Somerset County with a 1.78.

Clark and Garwood schools received the following scores and overall rankings (out of 2,088 schools):

• 187. Valley Road School, Clark Township Public School District, 91.14
• 379. Frank K. Hehnly, Clark Township Public School District, 81.92
• 503. Carl H. Kumpf School, Clark Township Public School District, 75.97
• 748. Arthur L. Johnson High School, Clark Township Public School District, 64.23
• 1055. Lincoln, Garwood Boro, 49.49

The ratings for high schools have been based on graduation and absenteeism rates and standardized scores, while elementary and middle school scores are based on absenteeism, standardized test scores and student progress, according to the state Department of Education.
PARCC scores were factored into past scores. Now the test is named as the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA).

The ratings were also determined before the coronavirus outbreak and the shutting of school buildings in March. Many districts plan to begin the coming school year with remote instruction. Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

The New Jersey School Boards Association has said a single number or letter grade by itself "draws an incomplete picture of school performance and the quality of education provided to its students."

On the other hand, the New Jersey PTA president has said "parents now have more information than ever before."

"They have the tools to ask questions of their teachers and other stakeholders such as the superintendent, principal, and Board of Education," the PTA said.

Click here to see the full list of all 2,088 schools in New Jersey.

— Additional reporting by Tom Davis

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.