Creating NJSLA-Like Assessments for Mathematics

Educators learn to develop assessments aligned with NJSLA for grades 3 - 5 mathematics.

This workshop is designed to help educators develop assessments aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA-A) for grades 3 through 5 mathematics. Participants examine the purpose and principles of effective assessment, analyze the NJSLA-A item types and learn how to create valid and reliable assessment items aligned to state standards. The training guides teachers in constructing blueprints and full-length tests that reflect the rigor and expectations of the NJSLA-A, using both content and practice standards.

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Core Needs Addressed

  • Lack of alignment between classroom assessments and the NJSLA-A format and expectations

  • Inconsistent assessment design that lacks validity, reliability, or alignment with standards

  • Limited teacher capacity in writing items that measure conceptual understanding, procedural skills, and real-world application

Key Learnings

  1. Assessment Design and Alignment: Teachers will learn to construct NJSLA-A-like items that are aligned to both content and practice standards, ensuring consistency in measuring student understanding across all three levels—conceptual, procedural, and application.

  2. Item Type Mastery: Participants will develop the skills to analyze and create all three NJSLA-A task types: Type I (skills and procedures), Type II (reasoning and justification), and Type III (modeling and application in real-world contexts).

  3. Blueprint Development and Instructional Integration: Educators will gain strategies to design full assessments and blueprints that integrate seamlessly into their curriculum, enabling data-informed instructional planning and intervention based on assessment outcomes

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Creating NJSLA-Like Assessments for Mathematics

Educators learn to develop assessments aligned with NJSLA for grades 3 - 5 mathematics.

Led by our team of Instructional Strategists

Learning Path

Last Updated

Apr 15, 2026 2:47 PM

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Designed for School Leaders asking...

How can we ensure Grades 3–5 math assessments accurately mirror the rigor and item types of the NJSLA-A to drive measurable proficiency gains?

What assessment design practices will strengthen alignment to both content and mathematical practice standards, resulting in improved student performance?

How do we build teacher capacity to develop valid, reliable assessments that inform instruction and increase state assessment outcomes?

This workshop helped me better understand the challenges families face and gave me practical strategies to strengthen communication and engagement. I now feel more confident in building supportive partnerships with families to improve student success.

Jen Soloman

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As a result of this work

As a result of this work, educators will design standards-aligned mathematics assessments that reflect the rigor and structure of the NJSLA for grades 3–5, ensuring more accurate measurement of student understanding and readiness. Teachers will leave with practical strategies, assessment blueprints, and a variety of NJSLA-aligned item types (Types I, II, and III) that support valid, reliable assessment design and inform instructional decision-making.

Workshop Description

This workshop is designed to help educators develop assessments aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA-A) for grades 3 through 5 mathematics. Participants examine the purpose and principles of effective assessment, analyze the NJSLA-A item types and learn how to create valid and reliable assessment items aligned to state standards. The training guides teachers in constructing blueprints and full-length tests that reflect the rigor and expectations of the NJSLA-A, using both content and practice standards.

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Designed for Today's Schools

Customized
Expert-led
In-person, virtual, or asynchronous
Standards Aligned
Research-Based
Nationwide

Educators will confidently

Educators will confidently design and implement NJSLA-aligned mathematics assessments by creating valid, reliable items and test blueprints that reflect the rigor of Types I, II, and III questions and state standards. This work supports district priorities by strengthening instructional alignment, improving assessment quality, and enhancing student preparedness for high-stakes assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes your workshops different from traditional professional development or other providers?

Our approach goes beyond one-size-fits-all professional development. We hold ourselves to rigorous standards of quality and delivery in every client interaction, ensuring that each experience is meaningful, relevant, and impactful. We don’t just deliver workshops—we build long-term partnerships with schools and districts, working alongside educators to improve instructional practices and student outcomes over time.

We actively listen to educators’ unique contexts and experiences, using that insight to collaboratively design tailored solutions rather than pre-packaged sessions. Our team asks thoughtful questions, challenges assumptions, and continuously learns so we can help redefine what’s possible in teaching and learning.

Above all, we communicate authentically, foster positive and productive relationships, and bring a deep passion and commitment to education. The result is professional learning that feels purposeful, personalized, and truly transformative.

Who are your workshops designed for?

Our workshops are designed for educators and school leaders, including teachers, instructional coaches, school administrators, and district teams. Each session is tailored to the specific audience to ensure content is relevant, practical, and immediately applicable.

What does a typical workshop look like?

Our workshops are interactive, engaging, and grounded in real classroom practice. Each experience is intentionally designed using the principles of andragogy, sound instructional design, and the core constructs of effective professional development to ensure relevance, coherence, and impact. Participants engage in discussion, reflection, planning, and application activities — not just passive listening. Educators leave with concrete strategies and next steps they can implement right away.

How long are your workshops?

We offer flexible formats, including half-day, full-day, and multi-session series. We can also design ongoing professional learning experiences to support sustained implementation over time.

What delivery methods are available for your workshops?

We offer flexible delivery options to meet the needs of schools and districts, including in-person sessions, live virtual workshops, and asynchronous learning through our applied learning platform. Regardless of format, all experiences are designed to be interactive, engaging, and collaborative, with structures that promote meaningful participation and application of learning.

What kind of follow-up support is available?

We believe professional learning is most effective when it’s sustained. In addition to workshops, we offer instructional coaching, implementation planning, and follow-up sessions to help teams translate learning into practice and drive meaningful results.

Who facilitates the workshops?

Inspired Instruction’s workshops are facilitated by a nationwide team of expert Instructional Strategists.  Our facilitators bring diverse experience as classroom educators, instructional coaches, principals, directors, and superintendents, spanning all content areas. We thoughtfully match your specific needs with a facilitator whose expertise aligns to ensure the learning experience is relevant, practical, and impactful for your staff.

How much does it cost to bring a workshop to my school or district?

We offer a range of pricing options designed to meet the needs of different schools and districts. Our Client Directors work closely with you to understand your goals, scope, and budget, and will partner with you to design a high-quality professional learning experience that fits within your financial framework.

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