NJSLA Trivia 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Students classified as English Language Learners (ELLs) taking the NJSLA may be eligible for which support?
- A translated version of the test in any language requested
- Certain translated test directions and linguistic accommodations (Correct answer)
- Complete exemption from NJSLA testing
- An oral version of the entire exam
Correct answer: Certain translated test directions and linguistic accommodations
Eligible ELL students may receive translated test directions and other approved linguistic accommodations, but the test itself is in English.
Question 2: What is the highest performance level a student can earn on the NJSLA?
- Level 3 — Met Expectations
- Level 4 — Exceeded Expectations
- Level 5 — Distinguished
- Level 5 — Exceeded Expectations (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Level 5 — Exceeded Expectations
Level 5 is labeled 'Exceeded Expectations' and represents the highest performance level on the NJSLA.
Question 3: Which NJSLA grade band covers the 'middle school' years?
- Grades 3–5
- Grades 6–8 (Correct answer)
- Grades 7–9
- Grades 8–10
Correct answer: Grades 6–8
Grades 6–8 represent the middle school grade band for NJSLA ELA and Mathematics assessments.
Question 4: In NJSLA Math, what does the 'Major Work of the Grade' focus mean?
- Only topics from prior grades are tested
- The majority of assessment items target the most important grade-level standards (Correct answer)
- Students must complete a major project
- It refers to multi-step word problems only
Correct answer: The majority of assessment items target the most important grade-level standards
The 'Major Work of the Grade' designates the most critical standards at each grade level, and NJSLA Math items heavily emphasize these.
Question 5: When NJSLA score reports are released to families, which document typically accompanies them to help parents interpret results?
- A full copy of the answered test questions
- A score interpretation guide explaining performance levels and next steps (Correct answer)
- A ranking of the student against their classmates by name
- A detailed item-by-item analysis of every question
Correct answer: A score interpretation guide explaining performance levels and next steps
Families receive a score interpretation guide alongside score reports to help them understand performance levels and what scores mean.
Question 6: Which NJSLA subject assesses three-dimensional learning — disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts?
- ELA
- Mathematics
- Science (Correct answer)
- Social Studies
Correct answer: Science
NJSLA Science is built on NGSS's three-dimensional learning framework: disciplinary core ideas, science and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts.
Question 7: How does the NJSLA differ from the SAT that New Jersey high school juniors also take?
- The NJSLA is college-entrance focused; the SAT is for accountability
- The NJSLA measures grade-level standards for accountability; the SAT measures college readiness (Correct answer)
- They are the same test administered by the same vendor
- The SAT is mandatory for all grades; the NJSLA is optional
Correct answer: The NJSLA measures grade-level standards for accountability; the SAT measures college readiness
The NJSLA measures mastery of grade-level New Jersey standards for state accountability, while the SAT measures college and career readiness.
NJSLA Trivia 5
Students classified as English Language Learners (ELLs) taking the NJSLA may be eligible for which support?