Showing posts with label black. Show all posts
Showing posts with label black. Show all posts
Friday, November 7, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
New Jersey Eighth-Graders Tops in the Nation in Writing
New Jersey Eighth-Graders Tops in the Nation in Writing
New Jersey eighth-graders are the best writers in the nation for their grade level, according to results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests given last winter, Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy announced today.
In their first year taking the writing test, eighth-graders at 111 schools throughout New Jersey scored statistically better than all but one of the 45 states that participated in the writing test, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics.
“It is gratifying to see such a strong performance by our eighth-grade students,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine. “Effective writing skills are an essential element of competing and being successful in the 21st century economy and I am indeed pleased that the efforts of all of our educators are yielding such positive results.”
While New Jersey’s score was better than Connecticut’s, the difference was not statistically significant. New Jersey’s average scale score was 175, which is higher than the national average of 154. According to 2007 NAEP results, New Jersey eighth-graders performed better than their peers nationwide in the major subgroups tested: male, female, white, black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, eligible for the National Lunch Program and not eligible for the National Lunch Program.
“Dating back to 1985, we have assessed our students’ ability to write as part of the Language Arts Literacy standardized tests,” Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy said. “Every one of our standardized tests contains a written section. None of this happens overnight – these results stem from a continued focus on educational reforms and best practices. Our students understand what is expected of them and in this case, they achieved phenomenal results.
“The NAEP test is the only real national comparison to see how states stack up against one another,” Commissioner Davy continued. “To see these results – to be the best in the nation – is an incredible accomplishment. Our eighth-grade students have demonstrated they have a good foundation upon which they can build continued success.”
New Jersey students typically fare well on the NAEP tests. While NAEP didn’t test fourth-grade in writing in 2007, Gov. Corzine did laud fourth-graders for their success on both the reading and math tests when the results were announced in September:
§ In reading, New Jersey students trailed only Massachusetts and tied with three other states – Vermont, Connecticut and New Hampshire.
§ New Jersey fourth-grade math students fared better than students in every state in the nation except Vermont, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Kansas. As in the reading results, only Massachusetts scored higher.
“The findings of this study exemplify our commitment to improving educational attainment in our elementary schools,” Gov. Corzine said in September. “We equate our increases to sound preschool and early childhood education programs in New Jersey. They are providing our youngest students with a solid foundation of basic fundamentals, and the efforts are achieving positive results.” This is the first year New Jersey has participated in the NAEP writing test, which was given in January and February of last year. The score scale for the writing test is from 0 to 300 and is broken into four categories: below basic, basic, proficient and advanced proficient.
Among the key findings announced today:
§ The percentage of total students in New Jersey that performed at or above the proficient level (56 percent) is higher than the national average (31 percent);
§ New Jersey eighth-graders scored better than all states except Connecticut in the following categories: overall score, whites and males;
§ 98 percent of the white students who took the test scored at grade level;
§ Hispanic students scored slightly higher (162) than all other states except Wyoming (153) – according to the NCES, scores of 162 and 153 are not statistically different from one another for the NAEP test; and
§ New Jersey’s students with disabilities average scale score (139) was better than the national average (118), on par with Massachusetts and Connecticut and better than all other states that participated.
African-American students in New Jersey scored comparable to the national average on the test (152 versus 154) and better than the national average for the demographic.
While the majority of the findings are good news for New Jersey, Commissioner Davy said the gap between white and African-American student scores (32 points, which is greater than the national average of 22 points) needs to be addressed.
“While our African-American students scored on par with the national average, there is still work to be done,” the Commissioner said. “DOE has already implemented a Middle Schools to Watch program that will share best practices statewide. Also, through our new state monitoring system, we continue to pinpoint what is working and what isn’t. We are confident we will see improvement.”
The writing NAEP assessment is administered every four years at randomly selected schools. The writing test is voluntary. This year, Alaska, Maryland, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota and the District of Columbia chose not to participate.
NAEP does not provide scores for individual students or schools, but offers results regarding instructional experiences, school environment for populations of students (for example, fourth-graders and eighth-graders) and subgroups of those populations (for example, male students, students with disabilities).
For more information, please contact the Department of Education Public Information Office at (609) 292-1126.
New Jersey eighth-graders are the best writers in the nation for their grade level, according to results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests given last winter, Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy announced today.
In their first year taking the writing test, eighth-graders at 111 schools throughout New Jersey scored statistically better than all but one of the 45 states that participated in the writing test, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics.
“It is gratifying to see such a strong performance by our eighth-grade students,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine. “Effective writing skills are an essential element of competing and being successful in the 21st century economy and I am indeed pleased that the efforts of all of our educators are yielding such positive results.”
While New Jersey’s score was better than Connecticut’s, the difference was not statistically significant. New Jersey’s average scale score was 175, which is higher than the national average of 154. According to 2007 NAEP results, New Jersey eighth-graders performed better than their peers nationwide in the major subgroups tested: male, female, white, black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, eligible for the National Lunch Program and not eligible for the National Lunch Program.
“Dating back to 1985, we have assessed our students’ ability to write as part of the Language Arts Literacy standardized tests,” Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy said. “Every one of our standardized tests contains a written section. None of this happens overnight – these results stem from a continued focus on educational reforms and best practices. Our students understand what is expected of them and in this case, they achieved phenomenal results.
“The NAEP test is the only real national comparison to see how states stack up against one another,” Commissioner Davy continued. “To see these results – to be the best in the nation – is an incredible accomplishment. Our eighth-grade students have demonstrated they have a good foundation upon which they can build continued success.”
New Jersey students typically fare well on the NAEP tests. While NAEP didn’t test fourth-grade in writing in 2007, Gov. Corzine did laud fourth-graders for their success on both the reading and math tests when the results were announced in September:
§ In reading, New Jersey students trailed only Massachusetts and tied with three other states – Vermont, Connecticut and New Hampshire.
§ New Jersey fourth-grade math students fared better than students in every state in the nation except Vermont, New Hampshire, Minnesota and Kansas. As in the reading results, only Massachusetts scored higher.
“The findings of this study exemplify our commitment to improving educational attainment in our elementary schools,” Gov. Corzine said in September. “We equate our increases to sound preschool and early childhood education programs in New Jersey. They are providing our youngest students with a solid foundation of basic fundamentals, and the efforts are achieving positive results.” This is the first year New Jersey has participated in the NAEP writing test, which was given in January and February of last year. The score scale for the writing test is from 0 to 300 and is broken into four categories: below basic, basic, proficient and advanced proficient.
Among the key findings announced today:
§ The percentage of total students in New Jersey that performed at or above the proficient level (56 percent) is higher than the national average (31 percent);
§ New Jersey eighth-graders scored better than all states except Connecticut in the following categories: overall score, whites and males;
§ 98 percent of the white students who took the test scored at grade level;
§ Hispanic students scored slightly higher (162) than all other states except Wyoming (153) – according to the NCES, scores of 162 and 153 are not statistically different from one another for the NAEP test; and
§ New Jersey’s students with disabilities average scale score (139) was better than the national average (118), on par with Massachusetts and Connecticut and better than all other states that participated.
African-American students in New Jersey scored comparable to the national average on the test (152 versus 154) and better than the national average for the demographic.
While the majority of the findings are good news for New Jersey, Commissioner Davy said the gap between white and African-American student scores (32 points, which is greater than the national average of 22 points) needs to be addressed.
“While our African-American students scored on par with the national average, there is still work to be done,” the Commissioner said. “DOE has already implemented a Middle Schools to Watch program that will share best practices statewide. Also, through our new state monitoring system, we continue to pinpoint what is working and what isn’t. We are confident we will see improvement.”
The writing NAEP assessment is administered every four years at randomly selected schools. The writing test is voluntary. This year, Alaska, Maryland, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota and the District of Columbia chose not to participate.
NAEP does not provide scores for individual students or schools, but offers results regarding instructional experiences, school environment for populations of students (for example, fourth-graders and eighth-graders) and subgroups of those populations (for example, male students, students with disabilities).
For more information, please contact the Department of Education Public Information Office at (609) 292-1126.
Friday, March 7, 2008
College Summer Programs for black males
Call for Applications
The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is currently accepting applications for its summer programs in Washington, DC and New York City. The program in Washington focuses on public service, with most participants interested in careers in law, politics, and business. The New York City program focuses on career achievement and citizenship in the financial services industry.Washington Program DetailsEach summer, twenty-four of the most promising black male college sophomores in the country are given the chance to intern in the nation's capital while taking rigorous classes at Georgetown University. The courses in government and economics are designed to provide these young men with the skills necessary to critically analyze the world's problems while adhering to a deep respect for civil liberties. When the students are not in class or at work, they are often called upon to attend social functions designed to help them network in their field. Personal meetings with such leaders as Colin Powell, John Lewis, and Clarence Thomas are made possible by the intimate nature of the program.
The program runs from the first Sunday in June to the last Saturday in July and is a two-summer commitment (accommodations are made for students on the quarter system). During their first summer, students' primary responsibilities outside of their internships are their academic courses. The following summer, in addition to their internships, mentorship with the latest cohort of Institute students and professional development become priorities.Tuition and housing are paid for by the Institute, while students are expected to pay for their transportation and food. In addition, those not placed in paid internships will receive a stipend in the amount of $3000. You should be a sophomore to apply, however, juniors are considered if they are committed to attending graduate or professional school directly following their senior year.
The average GPA for participants is a 3.65. A competitive applicant will have a strong GPA along with a track record of service to others. There are no academic major requirements for the Washington Program.
Financial Services Program DetailsThe Institute for Responsible Citizenship is excited to announce a new program in conjunction with KPMG, one of the foremost accounting firms in the country. This year, KPMG was ranked among the top 100 companies to work for by Fortune Magazine, and ranked 37th among large-size companies. More information about KPMG can be found at http://www.kpmgcareers.com. Twelve black male college sophomores will be selected to take part in this year’s program. The program runs from the first Sunday in June until the last Saturday in July.
Students selected for this opportunity will spend the summer in New York City and work at the company's headquarters for eight weeks. The twelve young men will live together in housing provided for program participants. Students will be placed in the departments of Audit, Tax, or Advisory Services and be paired with a high-level executive to work with for the summer. Exemplary performance will be rewarded with an invitation to return for a second summer and possibly result in full-time employment following graduation.Other program highlightsSalary of $21 per hour (2007 rate), while working full-time Laptop provided for duration of program Possible international travel Seminar series for academic credit Students majoring in Finance, Accounting, or Management Information Systems with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better should send their applications in for the Financial Services Program.
More information about both programs, along with the application, can be found at http://www.i4rc.org/programs.htm. The application deadlines for both programs are:Early Decision – November 1Regular Decision – February 1*Application deadline extended to March 18 for Financial Services Program. Inquiries should be directed to info@i4rc.org or (202) 659-2831. Those considering applying are highly encouraged to review the website in detail and contact our office with any questions before submitting an application.
The Institute for Responsible Citizenship is currently accepting applications for its summer programs in Washington, DC and New York City. The program in Washington focuses on public service, with most participants interested in careers in law, politics, and business. The New York City program focuses on career achievement and citizenship in the financial services industry.Washington Program DetailsEach summer, twenty-four of the most promising black male college sophomores in the country are given the chance to intern in the nation's capital while taking rigorous classes at Georgetown University. The courses in government and economics are designed to provide these young men with the skills necessary to critically analyze the world's problems while adhering to a deep respect for civil liberties. When the students are not in class or at work, they are often called upon to attend social functions designed to help them network in their field. Personal meetings with such leaders as Colin Powell, John Lewis, and Clarence Thomas are made possible by the intimate nature of the program.
The program runs from the first Sunday in June to the last Saturday in July and is a two-summer commitment (accommodations are made for students on the quarter system). During their first summer, students' primary responsibilities outside of their internships are their academic courses. The following summer, in addition to their internships, mentorship with the latest cohort of Institute students and professional development become priorities.Tuition and housing are paid for by the Institute, while students are expected to pay for their transportation and food. In addition, those not placed in paid internships will receive a stipend in the amount of $3000. You should be a sophomore to apply, however, juniors are considered if they are committed to attending graduate or professional school directly following their senior year.
The average GPA for participants is a 3.65. A competitive applicant will have a strong GPA along with a track record of service to others. There are no academic major requirements for the Washington Program.
Financial Services Program DetailsThe Institute for Responsible Citizenship is excited to announce a new program in conjunction with KPMG, one of the foremost accounting firms in the country. This year, KPMG was ranked among the top 100 companies to work for by Fortune Magazine, and ranked 37th among large-size companies. More information about KPMG can be found at http://www.kpmgcareers.com. Twelve black male college sophomores will be selected to take part in this year’s program. The program runs from the first Sunday in June until the last Saturday in July.
Students selected for this opportunity will spend the summer in New York City and work at the company's headquarters for eight weeks. The twelve young men will live together in housing provided for program participants. Students will be placed in the departments of Audit, Tax, or Advisory Services and be paired with a high-level executive to work with for the summer. Exemplary performance will be rewarded with an invitation to return for a second summer and possibly result in full-time employment following graduation.Other program highlightsSalary of $21 per hour (2007 rate), while working full-time Laptop provided for duration of program Possible international travel Seminar series for academic credit Students majoring in Finance, Accounting, or Management Information Systems with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better should send their applications in for the Financial Services Program.
More information about both programs, along with the application, can be found at http://www.i4rc.org/programs.htm. The application deadlines for both programs are:Early Decision – November 1Regular Decision – February 1*Application deadline extended to March 18 for Financial Services Program. Inquiries should be directed to info@i4rc.org or (202) 659-2831. Those considering applying are highly encouraged to review the website in detail and contact our office with any questions before submitting an application.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Workshop: Black Parenting in the 21st century
Fyi:
Jay Jefferson Cooke of The Courier News joins Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie of Plainfield’s Community Church of Christ in a rousing session on issues of Black Parenting in the 21st century, Thursday evening, December 20th at 6:30 P.M. at Plainfield Public Library.
Jay Jefferson Cooke has recently written some thought provoking editorials that deal directly with childhood development and critical issues that impact on proper development. Paying special attention to children and youth of the Black community, Jay Jefferson Cooke gives a sound commentary on issues that are often overlooked in the growth of our children.
Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie is Plainfield’s foremost educator, who is pastor emeritus of Community Church of Christ, retired teacher and former member of Plainfield’s Board of education. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that highlight the pitfalls and the joys of the awesome journey of raising Black children in a multicultural society.
Presented by Plainfield’s NubianUnion nonprofit collaborative, Rev. Dr. Cathie and Jay Jefferson Cooke promise an informative evening of critical foundations and interactive conversation that will surely lead to positive child rearing, development and the impact on the Black community.
Plainfield Public Library offers ample parking space on its 9th Street side. All sessions begin at 6:30 P.M. and end at 8:30.
For more information:
822 Madison Avenue Unity Missionary Investors, Inc.
Plainfield, New Jersey 07060 Henry C. Rawls, President
The Nubian Cultural Center
908.315.3663 nubianunion@yahoo.com
fax: 908.315.3925
The Black Holocaust Series
Jay Jefferson Cooke of The Courier News joins Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie of Plainfield’s Community Church of Christ in a rousing session on issues of Black Parenting in the 21st century, Thursday evening, December 20th at 6:30 P.M. at Plainfield Public Library.
Jay Jefferson Cooke has recently written some thought provoking editorials that deal directly with childhood development and critical issues that impact on proper development. Paying special attention to children and youth of the Black community, Jay Jefferson Cooke gives a sound commentary on issues that are often overlooked in the growth of our children.
Rev. Dr. Shirley B. Cathie is Plainfield’s foremost educator, who is pastor emeritus of Community Church of Christ, retired teacher and former member of Plainfield’s Board of education. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that highlight the pitfalls and the joys of the awesome journey of raising Black children in a multicultural society.
Presented by Plainfield’s NubianUnion nonprofit collaborative, Rev. Dr. Cathie and Jay Jefferson Cooke promise an informative evening of critical foundations and interactive conversation that will surely lead to positive child rearing, development and the impact on the Black community.
Plainfield Public Library offers ample parking space on its 9th Street side. All sessions begin at 6:30 P.M. and end at 8:30.
For more information:
822 Madison Avenue Unity Missionary Investors, Inc.
Plainfield, New Jersey 07060 Henry C. Rawls, President
The Nubian Cultural Center
908.315.3663 nubianunion@yahoo.com
fax: 908.315.3925
The Black Holocaust Series
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