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OVERVIEW
Q. What is NJSLA?
A. The New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) is a set of computer-based 3–high school assessments in English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA), mathematics, and science linked to the new, more rigorous New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLA).
Q. What are the benefits of the NJSLA assessments?
A. In ELA/literacy, many states don’t assess writing and few assess critical-thinking skills. NJSLA will do both. In mathematics and science, most current assessments are fill-in-the-blank “bubble tests.” NJSLA will give students a chance to solve real problems. Plus, they’ll not only have to solve complex problems, but show how they solved them.
Q.What are the components of the NJSLA assessment system for the 2024-2025 school year?
A. There is only one testing window for ELA/literacy, mathematics, and science. All students will take this summative test in April - May 2025 to show what they know after approximately 85% of the school year.
In ELA/literacy, this will involve analyzing literature, research simulation, and a narrative writing task. Students will read texts and write several pieces to demonstrate they can read and understand sufficiently complex texts independently, write effectively when using and analyzing sources; and build and communicate knowledge by integrating, comparing, and synthesizing ideas.
In mathematics, students will be asked to solve problems involving the key knowledge and skills for their grade level (as identified by the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, express mathematical reasoning and construct a mathematical argument, and apply concepts to solve model multiple step problems that require abstract reasoning, precision, and strategic use of tools
In science,
Q. Can a student “refuse” to take the NJSLA assessments?
A. As stated in New Jersey Department of Education Commissioner David Hespe’s October 30, 2014 memo, federal requirements mandate New Jersey develop a Statewide assessment in reading, writing, and math, and that local school districts administer these tests to all students in grades 3-HS. In accordance with the above, North Brunswick, like all NJ districts, cannot offer an opt-out option for State mandated assessments.
Any refusals are to be submitted to the building principal as a hard copy letter signed by the parent/guardian. *Middle school and High school refusals will also be asked to sign a waiver form acknowledging the NJDOE "Pathways to Graduation" assessment requirements.
*Please also refer to North Brunswick's Assessment Policy and Procedures for further information.
Q. What is the difference between a “unit” and a “session”?
A. Each content area (or session) of the NJSLA assessments is comprised of units and a session includes all of the units for a content area and may be scheduled across one or more days. Sessions refer to the groups of tested students that are scheduled together (as set up in PearsonAccessNext for computer-based testing).
Q. My child is in a middle school Algebra I course, which NJSLA test is required? A. Middle school students enrolled in either Algebra I or Geometry are required to take the PARCC Algebra I or Geometry assessment in lieu of their grade level NJSLA.
Q. My child takes multiple math courses in high school, which NJSLA test is required? A. High school students enrolled in multiple mathematics courses at the same time (i.e. Algebra I and Geometry or Geometry and Algebra II), will only take one NJSLA mathematics assessment, either Algebra I or Algebra II.
Q. Are students required to bring their own devices when participating in the NJSLA assessments?
A. No. NBTSchools provides students with a computer, a mouse (if necessary), and a hand-held calculator (if necessary) for the NJSLA assessments. *Students should bring in their own headsets/earbuds for the ELA sessions.
STUDENT PREPARATION
Q. Will students have opportunities to practice the tests?
A. Yes. A tutorial and practice tests, which can be found here, and have been made available to all district staff to be administered prior to testing.
Q. What types of accommodations will be allowed for students with disabilities and English Language Learners for these assessments?
A. The NJDOE Accessibility and Accommodations Manual is a comprehensive policy document that will support educators in the selection, administration and evaluation of accommodations for the assessment of students with disabilities and English language learners. All district staff involved in this process have been trained in this area.
NJSLA DATA
Q. How quickly will assessment data be returned to teachers?
A. Individualized Score Reports (ISRs) are only generated for students who complete all units of a given test. Teachers will receive adn review scores as soon as they are available. The Spring 2025 reports will be mailed home mid-September. Parents should contact their child's school if they do not receive a score report.
Q. How will the assessments be weighted within a student’s total score?
A. The 2025 NJSLA scores include an overall score (out of a possible 850) and performance level (1-5) which gives a glimpse as to whether or not a student is on track with grade-level expectations in English/Language Arts and mathematics. The 2025 NJSLA scores include an overall score (out of a possible 300) and performance level (1-4) which gives a glimpse as to whether or not a student is on track with grade-level expectations in Science.
The levels of proficiency are:
1 - Did not yet meet expectations
2 - Partially met expectations
3 - Approached expectations
4 - Met expectations
5 - Exceeded expectations
Q. Is passing the NJSLA assessment a requirement for high school graduation?
Class of 2024 and 2025 (Updated May 2023)
Class of 2024 and 2025 (Updated May 2023)
On May 3, 2023, the State Board of Education approved the graduation ready cut score for the ELA and mathematics components of the NJGPA, as well as the menu of alternative assessments and aligned cut scores.
The requirements in this section were adopted by the New Jersey State Board of Education on September 8, 2021 for the classes of 2023–2025.
Q. Once my child has met the graduation requirement by passing a NJSLA assessment in both language arts and math, is it necessary to continue to take NJSLA assessments in subsequent school years?
A. Yes, students are required to take the NJSLA tests even after meeting the graduation requirement (as of June 5, 2019, students in grades 3 - 10 are only required to test). The graduation requirement is just one purpose for standardized testing. The NJ Department of Education requires ALL students to take the NJSLA tests in English Language Arts (ELA) Grades 9 and Algebra I, II, and Geometry during their high school years. State statute requires all public schools to test students annually in these courses to determine student progress in literacy and computation skills. The NJSLA results will help schools drive curriculum and instruction, so we can identify any gaps and ensure that students graduate fully prepared for college and careers. In summary, even after meeting the graduation requirement, students will still be taking the NJSA tests if they are enrolled in one of the above mentioned courses.
Q. What is the guidance for students in the Class of 2023 and beyond cohort who need to retake the NJSLA Algebra I assessment in order to meet the NJDOE high school graduation requirement as previously mandated?
A. See graduation requirements outlined here.
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