‘False Hope’: Why NJ high schoolers aren’t ready for college

By: Julie O'Connor, Urban education writer

Outlets: NJ Spotlight

Published: September 15, 2026

Words: 1,759

Last Updated: 3 days, 9 hours ago

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New Jersey officials often brag about the state’s average high school graduation rate of over 90%, leading parents and the public to believe that students are doing just fine.

But it’s a mirage, says education analyst Chad Aldeman. In his new report, “False Hope: New Jersey kids aren’t ready for college,” he says the state achieved this milestone by weakening diploma requirements—lowering the passing score on the state exit exam and expanding alternative pathways …

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