New Jersey Student Learning Assessments
The New Jersey Student Learning Assessments for English Language Arts and Mathematics (NJSLA-ELA/Math) 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 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 Assessments. Students in grades 3-10 take these assessments.
The New Jersey Student Learning Assessment for Science (NJSLA-Science) replaced 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-Science uses the same familiar testing platform as NJSLA-ELA/Math. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 take this assessment.