Jersey Jazzman: Stupid Data Tricks

Jersey Jazzman: Stupid Data Tricks:

Stupid Data Tricks

by Duke

How silly has our society become we when it comes to matters of importance, like education? Initial reaction to yesterday's release of the New Jersey School Report Card gives us some indication.

Let's start with the 21st Century's new Pennysaver: AOL's Patch Network. I took a quick tour around the state, and reaction runs like this:

Jefferson:

SAT scores went below the state average in 2010-2011 at Jefferson Township High School, according to the New Jersey Department of Education School Report Cards, released on Thursday.

A typical Jefferson student scored 1,453, while the state average was 1,508. This is the second year district seniors have been below average. Jefferson students averaged 1,462 in 2009-2010, below the state average for that year of 1,515.

Um, you do know that not everyone takes the SAT? And some students with means can afford to take it more