Assuring Success on the NJSLA - Science

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.

• 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 Assessment Design
   Participants will learn how to interpret the structure and content of the NJSLA-S, including its connection to the NJSLS-Science standards. This includes analyzing the types of items—Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs), Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), and Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs)—as well as understanding performance-based and machine-scorable components.
   
   
2. Effective Instructional Alignment
   Educators will gain the skills to align their classroom instruction with NJSLA-S expectations by incorporating inquiry-based practices, real-world problem-solving, and frequent use of models and investigations. They will learn how to embed sensemaking, investigating, and critiquing practices in their daily lessons.
   
   
3. Student Readiness Strategies
   Teachers will be equipped with practical strategies to help students navigate online testing tools, interpret complex questions, and construct scientific explanations and arguments. Emphasis will be placed on improving students’ data literacy and argumentation skills through structured classroom activities and assessment practice.