The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) is responsible for monitoring all school districts in New Jersey. Prior to 2007, the process was done annually through QAAR, Quality Annual Assurance Report and in depth every seven years on site. The system that is in effect beginning 2007-08 is called NJQSAC, New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum. This is a very detailed process that is administered every 3 years. 

Hope School District was reviewed beginning the second cycle of NJQSAC this past fall. The district first underwent a self review with teachers, Board of Education and administration. The school district was specifically evaluated during the past 3 school years on 315 items in five areas: Instruction and Program, Fiscal, Operations and Personnel and Governance. The Warren County Office of Education under the direction of Mr. Frank Dragotta, Executive County Superintendent, visited Hope School to review all elements of the evaluation on January 5, 2011. Finally, the Commissioner of Education reviewed their findings to certify the results.

On January 20th the district received a written certification from Acting Education Commissioner Hendricks to verify that Hope Township School District has been certified as a High Performing School District, the highest designation by the NJDOE! In fact Hope School District further improved its score from 2007 earning four perfect scores of 100% in the areas of Fiscal Management Operations Management, Governance and Personnel. The district also scored very well at 91% for Instruction and Programs. In order to score 100% in this section, more than 95% of all students must score at or above the proficiency level or achieve a 5% or greater increase in the school wide scoring percentage from 2009 to 2010 in language arts and mathematics. The school is addressing this area with a plan to improve NJASK scores through school wide efforts and engaging additional parental support.

Congratulations to our staff, Board of Education, students and parents. In order to attain the highest achievement level, the district must be supported by the community. Everyone in Hope should be proud to be part of such an outstanding accomplishment and to have an excellent school system serving the community!

Mr. Annunziata

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