After a pilot run this fall, full implementation starting next spring semester The standardized tests administered annually to assess the academic achievement of New Jersey elementary, middle, and high school students will be completely revamped next year.
According to the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey State Standardized Tests in English and Math (NJSLA) for grades 3-9 and the New Jersey General Assessment Examination (NJGPA) for grade 11, which will be administered in the spring semester next year, will be changed to a new “adaptive” format. The adaptive format, which was adopted for the new SAT test introduced last year, is a test that changes the difficulty of the next question based on the test taker’s performance on the question. In guidance sent to schools, the New Jersey Department of Education stated, “The new adaptive standardized tests will present questions tailored to each student’s academic level, which will help build confidence and focus. This method will more accurately measure students’ academic abilities.” The department plans to pilot the new adaptive tests this fall and fully implement them next spring.
To administer the new standardized tests and graduation exams, the department has switched from Pearson to Cambium Assessments, which specializes in adaptive testing. However, some are raising concerns about the department’s hasty announcement of this comprehensive testing overhaul.
The New Jersey Teachers’ Union criticized the state for failing to consult with teachers when changing the test format and administrator. Furthermore, schools are demanding more detailed information about the new test changes.
The state government refuted claims that the changes were sudden, stating, “The standardized test overhaul has been a long-standing campaign promise of Governor Phil Murphy and has been discussed continuously.” A state spokesperson also argued, “While this is a new approach, students taking the test may not notice much of a difference.”