NJGPA Purpose and Requirements 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal law influences New Jersey's requirement to administer statewide assessments like the NJGPA?
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) (Correct answer)
- No Child Left Behind Act
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
- Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965
Correct answer: Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires states to administer annual statewide assessments and use them in accountability systems.
Question 2: How does the NJGPA support New Jersey's goal of college and career readiness?
- It measures skills in ELA and math aligned to college- and career-ready standards (Correct answer)
- It tests vocational skills required for trade certifications
- It evaluates student performance in AP or honors courses only
- It ranks districts to determine funding allocations
Correct answer: It measures skills in ELA and math aligned to college- and career-ready standards
The NJGPA measures ELA and math proficiency aligned to New Jersey Student Learning Standards designed to ensure college and career readiness.
Question 3: Which students are required to participate in the NJGPA?
- 11th-grade students in New Jersey public schools who have not previously met graduation assessment requirements (Correct answer)
- All New Jersey students in grades 3–11
- Only students in magnet and charter schools
- Students identified as gifted and talented only
Correct answer: 11th-grade students in New Jersey public schools who have not previously met graduation assessment requirements
The NJGPA targets 11th-grade public school students who have not yet demonstrated proficiency through prior assessment pathways.
Question 4: What does 'proficiency' mean in the context of NJGPA scoring?
- Achieving a score at or above the established cut score on the assessment (Correct answer)
- Completing all assigned coursework with a passing grade
- Scoring in the top 25% of test takers statewide
- Passing both ELA and math Advanced Placement exams
Correct answer: Achieving a score at or above the established cut score on the assessment
Proficiency on the NJGPA means a student's score meets or exceeds the state-established cut score for ELA and/or mathematics.
Question 5: How does the NJGPA relate to New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS)?
- The NJGPA is designed to measure student mastery of the NJSLS in ELA and mathematics (Correct answer)
- The NJGPA replaces the NJSLS as the official state curriculum
- The NJSLS are optional benchmarks that the NJGPA does not assess
- The NJGPA measures standards set by the federal government, not the NJSLS
Correct answer: The NJGPA is designed to measure student mastery of the NJSLS in ELA and mathematics
The NJGPA is explicitly aligned to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards, ensuring the test reflects what students are taught.
Question 6: Which group has specific accommodations provisions under NJGPA requirements?
- Students with disabilities and English learners (Correct answer)
- Students enrolled in AP courses
- Students with grade point averages above 3.5
- Students who previously passed the PARCC exam
Correct answer: Students with disabilities and English learners
The NJGPA requires accommodations for students with disabilities (per IEPs/504 plans) and supports for English learners to ensure equitable access.
Question 7: Why is the NJGPA considered a 'graduation proficiency assessment' rather than a simple grade-level test?
- Because it is specifically tied to the requirement that students demonstrate minimum proficiency to earn a diploma (Correct answer)
- Because it is harder than any other state test
- Because it is scored by college admissions officers
- Because it tests content from all four years of high school simultaneously
Correct answer: Because it is specifically tied to the requirement that students demonstrate minimum proficiency to earn a diploma
The term 'graduation proficiency' reflects that passing the NJGPA is linked to meeting a state-defined benchmark required for diploma eligibility.
NJGPA Purpose and Requirements 3
Which federal law influences New Jersey's requirement to administer statewide assessments like the NJGPA?