New Jersey's Eight Grade Students

The Star Ledger wrote a front page article about New Jersey's eight grade students have the mastery and command of writing and prose in the English language.

It was a bit surprise for me. New Jersey has a very diverse residents that English would be diluted and somehow be put in the background by most first and second generation immigrant residents. It was a fallacy. Despite their ethnic background, the second generation would be assimilated to the American culture.

I give credit to their parents, who are less educated and barely speak the English language, but pursue the American dream and the teachers, who sees the potential of each students.

Diversity works!

Public Schools in New Jersey

Despite of New Jersey's dismal funding for higher education, the state has one of the best public schools in the country. About 54% of high school graduates goes to college, tied second with Massachusetts. North Dakota ranks first (59%). The state has its share of problem school districts, if not maybe worst in the nation. But overall, it is a great state to raise a family and public education.

We pay high taxes here but we do invest in our children's education. I wish this applies to higher education also.

New Jersey is the site of corporate headquarters of some major pharmaceutical, financial and technology corporations, a great place to start job for our highly skilled college graduates.

My proof?

My son has been accepted to Rutgers University, SUNY at Binghamton, Boston University and George Washington University. He is waiting on McGill University, NYU and Georgetown University.