The map shows the schools with community gardens that were selected to look at school performance indicators. School gardens are designed to impact education in several ways. Education programs are tailored to augment the curriculum. The hands-on garden lessons engage the students more directly than traditional lessens. Malnutrition and malnourishment both have negative consequences for school performance. Students should have a better chances at success by augmenting their education and improving their diets. The maps display minimal improvements in test scores. The first data set from 2006-2007, obtained from the NJ Department of Education, was collected before the school gardens were in place. The second data set from 2007-2008 marks the period after most of the schools gardens were created. Educational performance is impacted by a number of factors beyond supplemental programs. The gardens may not have had enough time to be reflected in test scores or organizational changes and the recession may be masking improvements.
Conclusion
Tracking performance statistics of schools can be an important evaluation of School Garden Programs. Connecting a gardening program with improved test score performance can help expand these programs. Data related to schools and their specific impact on neighborhoods is limited. Being able to track the impact of educational improvements on the communities they serve is essential. The district-wide focus of data and organization can weaken choices for residents and allocate resources disproportionately.
