M-A schools must rise above state test averages
I read with interest the June 4 article in the Independent that the Matawan-Aberdeen School District aims to raise the high school test scores. I commend Superintendent Richard O'Malley and principal Michelle Ruscavage for addressing this problem, and not sweeping it under the carpet.

In the 2006-07 New Jersey School Report Card HSPA, Matawan-Aberdeen scored below state averages in math and science, along with Keansburg and Keyport. Raritan, Middletown North and South scored above the state average on all tests. In math, our district had a 10 percent decrease from the previous year. As a former member, this put up a red flag for me.

All three of our children graduated from Matawan-Aberdeen High School. They went on to schools such as Duke, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard and Johns Hopkins. We think that the high quality education they received at M-A public schools helped prepared them for success at these schools.

We want the same for the children today. I couldn't agree more that in our district we must raise the standards. For whatever reasons, we cannot continue to fall below state average on any test.
Lori Ayanian
Matawan