Standardized Test Prep in New Jersey
New Jersey standardized testing is in a period of transition. At the behest of teachers, parents, and administrators, changes have been made to the length of tests as well as to graduation requirements tied to test results. If you have a student in a public school in New Jersey, a little research and planning can go a long way toward ensuring that you’re able to provide the support students need to be successful on their state tests.
On this page, you will discover information about New Jersey state tests, including the types of tests required, grade levels targeted, and the testing dates. You’ll also learn how you can help your child prepare for standardized assessments.
What State Tests Are Available in New Jersey?
In accordance with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), New Jersey is required to administer grade-level assessments in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics to all students in grades 3 through 8, and once in high school. Also, the state must administer science assessments at least once in elementary, middle and high school. English language learners must be assessed to demonstrate progress toward English language development and students with the most significant cognitive disabilities (for whom general state assessments are not appropriate, even with accommodations) must also take a statewide assessment.
Below are the standardized tests currently offered in the state of New Jersey:
- New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) – English Language Arts (ELA) and Math – Formerly known as the PARCC test, the NJSLA is aligned to New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The computer-based assessments are used to measure the knowledge, concepts, and skills identified for each grade level (3-12). At the high school level, mathematics assessment includes only Algebra 1 and Geometry.
- New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) – Science – The NJSLA-S is the state science test for New Jersey public school students in grade 5, grade 8, and grade 11. This assessment is based on the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, which require schools to teach students to use science and engineering practices, to make sense of phenomena, and to design solutions to problems.
- ACCESS for ELLs – Students enrolled in an English Language Learner (ELL) program in New Jersey are tested annually for English language proficiency. ACCESS for ELLs is a standards-based assessment that assesses a student’s proficiency levels in the domains of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It is not a timed test.
- Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) for ELA, Math, & Science – The alternate assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science is called the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM). The computer-based assessment incorporates many levels of adaptive learning standards to effectively evaluate a student on their own individual level of complexity.
In the State of New Jersey, there is no provision for a student to opt-out of statewide assessments. If, however, a parent/guardian “refuses” to have his/her child participate in a statewide assessment, individual school districts will respect this parental decision. Each district has individual protocols for registering a test refusal. Contact your school principal directly for more information.
When is Standardized Testing in New Jersey?
Semester 1 students in grades 9-10 (Fall Block) will participate in ELA and mathematics testing during the Winter. ACCESS for ELLs testing takes place in early Spring. All other NJSLA and DLM assessments are administered in the late spring.
Do Homeschoolers Have To Take Standardized Tests in New Jersey?
According to New Jersey homeschool laws, families are not required to keep specific records related to student progress. Although standardized testing is not a requirement for homeschoolers in New Jersey, many families use regular assessments as a way to track their student’s progress year to year. While homeschoolers are not eligible to take the NJSLA or other state assessments, many private nationally-normed tests are available for use.
How Time4Learning Can Help With New Jersey Test Prep
Time4Learning’s curriculum not only provides standards-based instruction in areas that are most often tested on nationally-normed tests, but it also provides test prep practice to help your child succeed.
Below are some of the reasons that families in New Jersey rely on Time4Learning to help prepare their children and teens for annual assessments.
- Practice test simulations are part of our online curriculum in grades 3-8 to help students reduce test taking anxiety.
- A monthly subscription to Time4Learning includes access to all of the lessons, activities, games, and videos for an entire grade level of courses. Students preparing for the NJSLA can focus on exactly the topics and concepts they need extra help with.
- Our online science curriculum makes science entertaining and accessible for even the most science-resistant students. It’s a perfect supplement to help prep your students for the NJSLA science assessment.
- Many families use Time4Learning as an ESL supplement to help them refine and practice the skills addressed in the ACCESS for ELLs.
- High school students registered with Time4Learning can access up to four courses of their choice, from English to Earth Science to Geometry…plus many more. Preparing for standardized testing can be as convenient as logging into our high school curriculum from anywhere.
- Our curriculum is supportive of different learning styles and students with different learning abilities.
Through preparation and practice, your child can achieve successful results on their New Jersey standardized test scores. In addition, skill-building programs like Time4Learning can prepare your child and build their confidence before they walk in the door.
The software is a game changer!
By Regina
“…she leaped ahead of her peers on her state test when returned to public school, we used it during homebound when there was a mismedication, and use it now as a supplement for a teacher that refuses to teach.”
