New Jersey Student Learning Assessments
FAQ
2018 - 2019
What is the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment?
The State of New Jersey has ended its membership in the interstate consortium that produced the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) assessments. While the online platform will remain the same, the state’s mathematics and English Learning Assessments will no longer be called PARCC.
The Statewide assessments for ELA and mathematics will be called:
- New Jersey Student Learning Assessment - ELA (NJSLA-ELA)
- New Jersey State Learning Assessment - Mathematics (NJSLA-M)
What is New Jersey Student Learning Assessment – Science (NJSLA-S)?
Last year, students in grades 5, 8, and 11 took the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment -Science. The NJSLA-S replaced the NJASK Science assessment and moved from 4th grade to 5th. Similar to the NJSLA -ELA and Math, the NJSLA-S is a computer-based assessment. The spring 2018 administration of the NJSLA was a field test, and the spring 2019 administration will be a baseline year.
May my child opt-out of state testing?
Per state guidelines, there is no provision to opt-out of the NJSLA. The New Jersey Department of Education has provided schools with the following guidance:
(a) The Commissioner, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:7C-1 et seq., and 18A:7E-2 and 3, may implement assessment of student achievement in the State’s public schools in any grade(s) and by such assessments as he or she deems appropriate. The Commissioner shall report to the State Board the results of such assessments.
… all students at grade levels three through 12, and at any other grade(s) designated by the Commissioner pursuant to (a) above, shall take all appropriate Statewide assessments as scheduled.
N.J.A.C. 6A:8, STANDARDS AND ASSESSMENT
What is the time frame for testing?
Starting with the Spring 2019 statewide assessment, the item counts (i.e. test questions) will be reduced, resulting in fewer units for ELA and mathematics.
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18-19 Total Testing Time, NJSLA
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17-18 Total Testing Time at Each Grade Level, PARCC
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All Grades
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360 minutes
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Grade 3
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465 minutes
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Grades 4-8
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510 minutes
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Grades 9-11
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540 minutes
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English Language Arts
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Unit 1
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Unit 2
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Total test time
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Grade 3
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75 mins
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75 mins
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2 hrs 30 mins
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Grades 4-5
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90 mins
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90 mins
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3 hours
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Grades 6-11
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90 mins
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90 mins
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3 hours
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Mathematics
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Unit 1
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Unit 2
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Unit 3
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Total Test Time
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Grades 3-5
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60 mins
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60 mins
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60 mins
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3 hours
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Grades 6-8
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60 mins
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60 mins
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60 mins
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3 hours
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Science
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Unit 1
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Unit 2
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Unit 3
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Unit 4
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Total Test Time
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Grade 5
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45 mins
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45 mins
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45 mins
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45 mins
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3 hours
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When will the NJSLA be administered?
The NJSLA-ELA and Math testing window runs from April 8 to May 28, 2019. The NJSLA-Science window is May 6 to June 7, 2019. Our testing dates are as follows:
NJSLA-ELA will begin the week of May 6, 2019. Makeups will begin on May 9th.
NJSLA-M will begin the week of May 13, 2019. Makeups will begin May 16th.
NJSLA-S will take place during the week of May 20, 2019.
Will students have opportunities to practice the tests?
Classroom teachers have introduced sample items and practice tests in class. Students will also be given an opportunity to complete practice assessments during computer class. Finally, the district will participate in a test simulation in order to prepare students for the upcoming assessment.
What types of accommodations will be allowed for students with disabilities and English Language Learners for the PARCC assessments?
The NJSLA Accessibility Features and Accommodations Manual is a comprehensive policy document which provides guidance and support to ensure that students with disabilities and Dual Language Learners are provided appropriate access to the NJSLA assessment.