Testing
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New Jersey Student Learning Assessment
The New Jersey Student Learning Assessments for English Language Arts/Literacy (NJSLA-ELA) and for Mathematics (NJSLA-M) measures the extent to which students are, or on track to being college or career ready in each of the two respective areas. The test in English Language Arts/Literacy assesses student proficiency in reading and comprehending a range of grade appropriate material independently. It also provides a measure of how effectively a student writes when using and/or analyzing sources. The test in Mathematics measures student competencies in the major and additional/supporting content in mathematics for grade or course, as well as student grade-appropriate mathematical reasoning and modeling skills. Additional information for the assessments in the above areas can be found on the Office of Assessment.
All students currently enrolled in tested grades/course in the state’s public school system are expected to participate in statewide assessment [N.J.A.C. 6A-8-4.1(d)]. This includes the following students:
- Students in general education
- Students who are newly arrived English Learners (ELs) must take the Math and Science assessment. ELs in grades 3-8 are exempt from the ELA state assessment.
- Students with disabilities except those with the most significant cognitive disabilities, who qualify for the DLM. These students must take the alternate assessment (i.e., DLM) as specified in their IEP.
New Jersey Student Learning Assessment-Science (NJSLA-S) Program
The New Jersey Student Learning Assessment for Science (NJSLA-S) replaces the New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) for Science and the New Jersey Biology Competency Test (NJBCT). This new assessment measures student proficiency in science according to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. These standards require schools to teach students to use science and engineering practices, to make sense of phenomena, and to design solutions to problems. The NJSLA-S uses the same familiar testing platform that NJSLA-ELA and NJSLA-M uses.
- All students enrolled in grades 5 & 8 must take a state science assessment.