Wake Up Call NJ Campaign Highlights Troubling School Performance in New Jersey

The educational landscape in New Jersey is facing increased scrutiny, thanks to a new initiative from Wake Up Call NJ, a nonprofit advocacy organization co-founded by Laura Overdeck and Peter Shulman. Launched with a multi-million dollar advertising campaign, the goal is to inform citizens, parents, and taxpayers about the concerning realities of the state’s public education system.

Raising Awareness with Facts

The campaign strikes at the heart of a common misconception: that New Jersey's schools are performing well based on surface-level indicators. Shulman points out that while parents might be pleased to see their kids receiving As and Bs on report cards, the underlying data tell a different story. According to the state’s own Department of Education, in many districts, up to half of the students are falling below grade level, even in schools typically credited as high-performing.

Overdeck, who has been vocal about the decline in math performance, expressed her alarm regarding the statistics: “When over half of our fourth graders can't do math at grade level, and two-thirds of those behind never catch up, how can our grades and graduation rates not reflect this?” Her concern reflects a broader issue in the educational framework, whereby the focus on individual efforts overlooks systemic problems that might hinder student performance across the board.

The Campaign's Message

The message of the Wake Up Call campaign is unambiguous: the educational stakeholders of New Jersey—parents, grandparents, and taxpayers alike—need to recognize the realities of their children’s academic experiences. Overdeck emphasizes that citizens need to understand that, contrary to popular belief, their kids might not be learning as much as they are led to believe. “Nothing will be done about it until everyone understands the scope of the problem,” she asserts.

The inaugural ads from the campaign pinpoint these concerning gaps, aiming to bring the issue to the forefront of public discussion. The advertising campaign is currently being disseminated through various platforms, including billboards, train stations, and an extensive presence on traditional and social media.

Future Engagement and Plans

Looking ahead, more advertising is poised to roll out in the coming months, as the organization plans to keep the momentum going through the spring. This will include building a comprehensive online resource at wakeupcallnj.com, where concerned citizens can access performance data, understand the issues at hand, and learn how to better engage with schools. Shulman adds, “We’re going to be around for as long as it takes to make change in the Garden State. We can fix this problem, working together.”

Wake Up Call NJ is grounded in a commitment to changing the discourse around education in New Jersey. With its foundation built by respected figures in the education sector, including Overdeck, who also heads Bedtime Math, and Shulman, who served with the New Jersey Department of Education, the organization has garnered support from a diverse coalition.

A Call to Action

As the debate about the quality of education continues, Wake Up Call NJ reminds parents and citizens to stay informed and engaged. With changing policies and new initiatives on the horizon, understanding the true state of education in New Jersey is crucial for generating accountability among schools and leaders alike.

For more information, you can visit their website or reach out through their social media channels to stay updated on their efforts and get involved in advocating for necessary educational reforms.