Introduction

Welcome to an Educational Adventure

The New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge, or NJ ASK, is a special milestone, as it represents the first time that New Jersey’s public school students are presented with a state-mandated standardized test. Indeed, the ASK is the Garden State’s answer to the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which requires that states use standards-based testing to ensure that students are picking up the skills and knowledge necessary for academic success.

We at REA believe that a friendly, hands-on introduction and preparation for the test are keys to creating a successful testing experience. REA’s NJ ASK books offer these key features:

* Clearly identified book activities

* Contextual illustrations

* Easy-to-follow lessons

* Step-by-step examples

* Tips for solving problems tailored for the proper grade level

* Exercises to sharpen skills

* Real practice

Below is helpful information for students, parents, and teachers concerning the NJ ASK and test taking in general. Organized practice is itself a prime skill for young students to master, because it will help set the tone for success long into the future as their educational adventure continues. It is REA’s sincere hope that this book—by providing relevant, standards-based practice—can become an integral part of that adventure.

What is the NJ ASK?

The New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge is a standards-based assessment used in New Jersey’s public schools. Performance on the NJ ASK test equates not with the grades students receives for teacher-assigned work but rather with proficiency measures pegged to how well students are acquiring the knowledge and skills outlined in the state’s Core Curriculum Content Standards. Those proficiency measures fall into three broad categories, or bands: “partially proficient,” “proficient,” and “advanced proficient.”

When is the NJ ASK given?

The test is administered in early spring. Grade 3 students take the NJ ASK on three mornings, the first two in Language Arts Literacy, the final morning in Mathematics. Grade 4 students take the test on five mornings, the first two in Language Arts Literacy, the next two mornings in Mathematics, and the last in Science. Each morning’s test spans 60 to 100 minutes, not including time to distribute materials, read directions, and take breaks.

What is the format of the NJ ASK?

The NJ ASK has two types of questions: multiple choice and open ended. With multiple choice, students are asked to choose the correct answer out of four. With open-ended questions, children answer with written responses in their own words. Each test section is timed, and students may not proceed to the next section until time for the current section has expired. If students have not finished a section when time runs out, they must stop and put down their pencils. There are clear directions throughout the test.

Understanding the NJ ASK and This Book

Students:

This book was specially written and designed to make test practice easy and fruitful for students. Our practice tests are very much like the actual NJ ASK tests, and our review is filled with illustrations, drills, exercises, and practice questions to help students become familiar with the testing environment and to retain information about key topics.

Parents:

The NJ ASK and other state assessment tests are designed to give the school information about how well children are achieving in the areas required by New Jersey’s Core Curriculum Content Standards, which describe what students should know at the end of certain grades. This book helps children review and prepare effectively and positively for the NJ ASK in Language Arts Literacy.

Teachers:

Teachers introduce students to the test-taking environment and the demands of the NJ ASK tests. Teachers can use our authoritative book in the classroom for planned, guided instruction and practice testing. Effective preparation means better test scores!

Where can I obtain more information about the NJ ASK?

The New Jersey Department of Education offers four sources of information about the NJ ASK as follows:

www.state.nj.us/education

www.ets.org/njask

www.njpep.org/assessmet

Office of Evaluation and Assessment

Telephone: 609-341-2456

Mailing address:

New Jersey Department of Education

PO Box 500

Trenton, NJ 08625-0500

Test Accommodations and Special Situations

Every effort is made to provide a level playing field for students with disabilities who are taking the NJ ASK. Most students with educational disabilities and most students whose English language skills are limited take the standard NJ ASK. Students with disabilities will be working toward achieving the standards at whatever level is appropriate for them. Supports such as large-print type are available for students who have a current individualized Education Program (IEP) or who have plans required under Section 504 or who use these supports and accommodations during other classroom testing.

If the IEP team decides that a student will not take the NJ ASK in Language Arts

Literacy, Mathematics, and/or Science, the child will take the Alternate Proficiency Assessment (APA).

Tips for Test Taking

• Do your homework. From the first assignment of the year, organize the day so there is always time to study and keep up with homework.

• Communicate. If there are any questions, doubts, or concerns about anything relating to school, study, or tests, speak up. This goes for teachers and parents, as well as students.

• Get some rest. Getting a good night’s sleep the night before the test is essential to waking up sharp and focused.

• Eat right. Having a good breakfast—nothing very heavy—the morning of the test is what the