Assuring Success on the NJSLA-ELA

This workshop is designed to prepare educators to support student success on the NJSLA-Science assessments. It provides a comprehensive overview of the alignment between the assessment and the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Science (NJSLS-S), explaining how the test assesses students’ abilities to apply scientific practices in real-world contexts. Participants explore the format of the assessment, types of questions, and scoring criteria. Additionally, the workshop offers strategies to build strong classroom habits that foster the scientific thinking skills students need for both assessment and lifelong learning.

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• Lack of teacher familiarity with the structure and expectations of the NJSLA-S
  
  
• Difficulty aligning classroom instruction with the scientific practices assessed by NJSLA-S

• Insufficient student experience with problem-solving, investigations, and critical thinking in science

1. Deep Understanding of Test Structure and Question Types

Participants will gain detailed knowledge of the NJSLA-ELA layout, including unit timing, passage types, and scoring. They will explore the distinct task types and understand how these tasks align with the standards and sub-claims being assessed.

2. Instructional Strategies to Support Student Success

Educators will learn effective instructional practices to help students navigate complex task demands, such as analyzing multiple texts, integrating evidence into writing, and demonstrating command of conventions. They will also be introduced to creating their own items and using released test items for targeted practice.

3. Integration of Digital Testing Tools and Resources

Participants will be equipped with strategies to familiarize students with digital tools used in the assessment, such as the text highlight tool and line reader mask. They will also learn to use tutorials and practice tests to build student confidence and proficiency in the online testing environment.

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