Photo illustration by NJ Dept. of Education.
By Yeni Hernandez Flores
For as long as we can remember, as students at PHS we have been preparing for the PARRC test. Then every March or April we spend a week or two taking this battery of tests, being stressed and trying to keep up in our regular classes. However, this year something is different.
The PARRC is gone, but does that mean we are not testing? Unfortunately no, there will always be a test, but now it is called the NJSLA. This is not some new summer side dish, sort of like cole slaw, but the new high stakes graduation test that all PHS students must pass to graduate.
What is NJSLA test? The NJSLA stands for NEW JERSEY STUDENT LEARNING ASSESSMENT these assessments are aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and are intended to test for students’ ability to apply their knowledge of concepts. We are taking this test on April 8-12. The New Jersey state website says that the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments for English Language Arts/Literacy (NJSLA-ELA) and for Mathematics (NJSLA-M) measures the extent to which students are, or on track to being college or career ready in each of the two respective areas. Therefore, the test is given to see if we are ready for the real world or college.
The test in English Language Arts/Literacy assesses student proficiency in reading and comprehending a range of grade appropriate material independently. It also provides a measure of how effectively a student writes when using and/or analyzing sources.
The test in Mathematics measures student competencies in the major and additional/supporting content in mathematics for grade or course, as well as student grade-appropriate mathematical reasoning and modeling skills.
Sophomore Elisa Matos said of the new test, “ It is so stressful taking both English and the math portion of NJSLA.” She is confused on why she is taking the NJSLA. She added, “The governor promised to take PARCC away when he announced his plans in 2018. So now that test is out and this test is in?”
Yes, the old and controversial PARCC exam is out. However, the new test is in, and it is called the NJSLA. Good Luck!
