The Governor this morning discussed her plan at Elizabeth Avenue School in Franklin Township. The investment of $15 million in her budget, she said, would support targeted, "evidence-based instruction," which provides students with frequent, small-group tutoring aligned with classroom learning. Investing in proven strategies to support New Jersey’s students is "a key aspect of the Governor’s budget proposal, which includes a record $12.4 billion investment in K-12 state aid," according to the Governor's Office.

No one here outright said what more than a few people thought, namely that if we invest in literacy now, the hope is that we can crawl out of an illiterate culture.

Is it too late?

Sherrill doesn't think so, apparently.

From her office:

High-impact tutoring is a research-based strategy that accelerates student learning through intensive, individualized support. Early results from tutoring programs across New Jersey have demonstrated measurable gains in student achievement. In Camden, math scores jumped 80 percent and literacy scores doubled, and in Elk Township, 74 percent improved a full grade in reading – and some improved as many as five.

The increased funding would expand access to high-impact tutoring to nearly 100 additional school districts and reach approximately 13,500 more students than in the current fiscal year.

The Governor put a hard point on her argument.

“As a mom of four, I understand the importance of building strong academic foundations that set students up for lifelong success,” said Sherrill. “When it comes to our children’s education, we must ensure we are getting the best return on every dollar the State invests. That means prioritizing evidence-based programs with a proven track record of success. By expanding access to high-impact tutoring, we are giving thousands of students across New Jersey the support they need to catch up, excel, and reach their full potential.”

“At the Department of Education, our focus is on helping schools deliver timely, targeted support so every student can succeed with grade-level work,” said Dr. Lily Laux, Commissioner of Education. “High-impact tutoring is one of the most effective tools we have. When it is aligned to classroom instruction and targeted to where students need it most, it drives measurable gains in math and literacy while strengthening schools’ broader systems of support.”

In Franklin Township Public Schools, students participating in high-impact tutoring achieved two or more grade levels of growth in English language arts, while 83.2 percent of students improved by more than one grade level in mathematics.

These outcomes underscore the value of targeted academic interventions that accelerate learning and strengthen foundational skills. By expanding access to high-impact tutoring, Governor Sherrill is investing in proven programs that drive student achievement and help ensure every child in New Jersey has the opportunity to succeed.

“As the son of a public school teacher, here in Franklin, I know the importance of a quality education, as it becomes your compass as one prepares for life; but it also becomes life itself,” said Assemblyman Joe Danielsen, who went to Elizabeth Avenue School.

If the kids here at Franklin are any indication, perhaps they can get literate, grow up, and - who knows - maybe one of them can be President of the United States, instead of never growing up and using the White House grounds to promote national illiteracy.