All New Jersey’s public schools share one distinction: Low scores on the controversial PARCC tests. About half of our students aren’t working at grade level, but by far the most dismal PARCC scores released today were in Camden. They show that at best eight percent of Camden students are proficient in English/Language Arts and Math. At worst, one percent. Only three percent are proficient in Algebra I. In Geometry and Algebra II it’s one percent. Paymon Rouhanifard took over as superintendent of the struggling district just two years ago.

Williams: Why do you think Camden PARCC scores are so low?

Rouhanifard: Well it certainly affirms what we’ve known. The news is sobering, but we have been grappling with numerous challenges in Camden for decades as it relates to the school system. We’re working hard to improve the system, but we’re not necessarily surprised by the news. It’s sobering. I do think it’s important to note that PARCC is important. It is a measure, but it is not the measure of student achievement here in Camden. We think about multiple measures of how our students and our schools are doing and we do see signs of progress.

For more on what Superintendent Rouhanifard has to say about progress in Camden's school system, click the following link: http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/rouhanifard-slow-and-steady-progress-in-camden-school-system/