New Jersey State Testing
The new NJ ASK is an exam that gauges students' progress towards New Jersey's Core Curriculum Content Standards. In 2003 students in the 3rd and 4th grades took new tests in English Language Arts, and mathematics for the first time.
NJ ASK (New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge)
This new exam replaced the old ESPA (Elementary School Proficiency Assessment) that was formerly given at grade 4. For 2003 and beyond students in grade 3 and 4 will test in English Language arts and Mathematics. Plans call for the expansion of NJ ASK to other grades and subjects in the coming years.
Each test features several question formats. The first are traditional multiple-choice items, asking students to choose between 4 answer options. The second type consists of open-ended, constructed-response questions. These problems may require students to display their mathematical reasoning skills with formulas and diagrams or write a short paragraph about a reading passage. Finally, the English exam also includes two writing tasks. Students must compose a narrative, descriptive or persuasive essay in response to each writing prompt.
Multiple-choice items are scored electronically, while contractors trained in the New Jersey's academic standards grade the open-ended and writing questions. The essays are judged based on a rubric that takes into account such factors as organization and mechanics.
While the tests are used primarily as diagnostic exams rather than for accreditation, certain scores may qualify students for special programs. These exams are held in the spring. Check with your teacher for more information, including exact test dates. You can find the standards for each grade level and subject listed on the
Department of Education's website.
