Berkeley Scores Exceed Peer Group Schools, High Math Achievers Recognized

By Nick Malfitano

Berkeley Township students in grades 3 through 6 scored well above their counterparts on the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJASK), compared to other schools categorized at the same socioeconomic level.

“The scores are based on proficiency,” said Dyann DeClerico, the district's director of elementary education said at the Nov. 19 Board of Education meeting. “The proficiency bands start at 100 and go to 300.”

DeClerico said a score between 100 and 200 is listed as “partially proficient,” while 200 or over is “proficient” and over 250 is considered to be “advanced proficient”.

School districts in New Jersey are categorized into District Factor Groups, which describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the local district, according to the NJ Department of Education website. From lowest socioeconomic status to highest, the categories are A, B, CD, DE, FG, GH, I and J. According to state statistics, Berkeley Township is currently ranked at level “B”.

The DFGs were created in 1975 for the purpose of comparing students’ performance on statewide tests across demographically similar school districts. The categories are updated every ten years when the Census Bureau releases its latest data.

The classification system provides a tool for examining student achievement and comparing similar school districts. The DFGs do not have a primary or significant influence in the school funding formula beyond the legal requirements associated with parity aid provided to the Abbott districts, according to the Department of Education web site.

DeClerico delivered a PowerPoint presentation to the audience outlining how district students performed on the examination.

The results were as follows:

• In Grade 3: Language Arts scores were 24% better than other B districts. In Math they were 19% higher.

• In Grade 4: Language Arts scores were 41% better and 21% better in Math.

• In Grade 5: Language Arts scores were 27% better and 22% better in Math.

• In Grade 6, Language Arts scores were 47% better and 28% better in Math.

“We thank the good work of our students, their parents they have at home, our wonderful teachers and administrators, and a very supportive board,” said DeClerico.

Students who scored a perfect 300 were recognized at the meeting:

Bayville School — Jason Abel, Dominick Fraulo, Dominic Mattina, Jake McCabe, Griffin Petry, Nico Argento, Tyler DelPrete, Taylor Fifield, Sebastian France, Makenzie Howze, Ethan Kerr, John Ostapovich, Joshua Talian and Christian Verderosa.

Berkeley Township Elementary School 5th Graders — Taylor Adelheim, Ryan Black, Brendan Cahill, Dylan Carnellie, Gianna Caruso, Abby DeLucia, Jennifer Domenico, Michael Dudzik, Terrence Farley, Riley Fecsko, Nicholas Ferretto, Ethan Gard, Daniel Greene, Jude Harris, Emily Hoagland, Angelina Josiah, Gregory Leifert, Thomas O’Leary III, Chandler Perfetto, Emily Pribila, Jonathan Rainforth, Zachary Scott, Jonathan Tecalero-Montes, Britney Tran and Emily Vassallo.

Berkeley Township Elementary School 6th Graders — John Abello, Melvin Academia, Brooke Andolsen, Meem Arzani, Nicholas Bonacci, Richard Cahill, Joshua Costa, Sarah Daley, Jade Holland, Keira Leighton, Shannon O’Connell, Shane Scarcella and Ashley Wilson.

Clara B. Worth Elementary School — Alex Heinrich, Carlie Rose Johanning, Joseph Klutkoski, William Maguire, Daniel Mariano, Gavin Sakas, William Sottilare, Haley Thomas, Grant Tillett, Ryan Bassett, Alexander Giarreta, Hannah Murray and Jason Trapp.

H&M Potter Elementary School — Meahan Azmi, Jordan Compton, MacKenzie Hart, Michael Hayes, Mia Kelly, Mason Leszczynski, Julianna Rose, Clara Signorin, Jacob Starnes and Zachary Todd.