Standardized Testing
RATIONALE FOR ASSESSMENTS
State assessments serve as a key tool for measuring student learning in English language arts, mathematics, and science. While they represent just one part of a student’s academic profile, the results provide meaningful insight into progress toward state standards and highlight areas for continued growth. Combined with classroom performance and other measures, assessment data not only guides instructional decisions at the classroom level but also supports broader, data-driven improvements in curriculum, teaching strategies, and resource allocation. This ensures that schools and families can work together to provide every student with the support needed to thrive.
TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS
- New Jersey Student Learning Assessments-Adaptive (NJSLA-Adaptive)
- New Jersey Student Learning Assessments-Science (NJSLA-S)
- Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM)
- ACCESS for English Language Learners (ELLs)
- New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment-Adaptive (NJGPA-Adaptive)
- National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP)
New Jersey Student Learning Assessment
Each spring, the New Jersey Department of Education requires all students in grades three through eleven to take an annual computer-based assessment in math and language arts. Beginning Spring 2019, the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), was replaced by the new state assessment called the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) for Mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA).
The New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) are aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS), which focus on critical thinking skills and students' ability to read, write, speak, listen and solve "real-world" problems independently. The standards were developed with the goal of ensuring all students are college and career ready and were internationally benchmarked to ensure students are academically competitive with their peers around the world.
The New Jersey Student Learning Assessments are intended to mark students’ progress towards the stated goal of college and career readiness. The assessments are also meant to provide feedback to the district regarding the efficacy of our current curriculum and instruction.