Creating NJSLA-like Assessments in Science

Educators learn to develop assessments aligned with NJSLA for Science.

This workshop guides educators through the process of developing assessment items that mirror the format, rigor, and intent of the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments for Science (NJSLA-S). Participants learn how to align questions with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, emphasizing the integration of science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. Through hands-on collaboration and iterative design, attendees explore how to craft questions that are data-driven, technology-enhanced, and differentiated to meet the needs of all students.

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Core Needs Addressed

  • Lack of appropriate released NJSLA-S items for specific instructional goals or investigations.

  • Challenges aligning assessments with state science standards and rigor expectations.

  • Difficulty differentiating assessments for diverse student populations

Key Learnings

  1. Standards-Based Item Development
    Educators will learn to unpack standards to ensure items are aligned with core ideas, science and engineering practices (SEPs), and crosscutting concepts (CCCs). This includes understanding assessment boundaries and identifying which expert science vocabulary students need to apply at high levels of rigor.

  2. Strategic Use of Format and Data
    Participants will explore various technology-enhanced item types.and how to replicate their function in both digital and paper formats. Emphasis is placed on embedding quality data and using constructed responses and distractors effectively to evaluate student understanding.

  3. Differentiation and Scaffolding for Rigor
    The workshop emphasizes scaffolding for diverse learners while maintaining rigor, including strategies for vocabulary instruction, gradual release of responsibility, and using feedback loops to refine assessment items. Educators will also learn to use student misconceptions to inform distractor creation and support deeper learning.

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Creating NJSLA-like Assessments in Science

Educators learn to develop assessments aligned with NJSLA for Science.

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 design science assessments that authentically reflect the three-dimensional rigor of the NJSLA-S and lead to measurable gains in student performance?

What assessment development practices will ensure alignment to science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas while improving proficiency rates?

How do we build teacher capacity to create data-driven, technology-enhanced science assessments that inform instruction and support growth for all learners?

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 science assessment items that align with the rigor and structure of the NJSLA-A-S, ensuring accurate measurement of student understanding across science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas. Teachers will leave with practical strategies, collaboratively developed assessment items, and design approaches for creating data-driven, technology-enhanced, and differentiated questions that support diverse learners and inform instruction.

Workshop Description

This workshop guides educators through the process of developing assessment items that mirror the format, rigor, and intent of the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments for Science (NJSLA-S). Participants learn how to align questions with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, emphasizing the integration of science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. Through hands-on collaboration and iterative design, attendees explore how to craft questions that are data-driven, technology-enhanced, and differentiated to meet the needs of all students.

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Designed for Today's Schools

Customized
Expert-led
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Nationwide

Educators will confidently

Educators will confidently design NJSLA-S–aligned assessment items that integrate science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas while reflecting the rigor and format of the assessment. This work supports district priorities by strengthening instructional alignment, enhancing assessment design, and improving student preparedness for high-stakes science 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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