NJ Student Learning Assessments, May 2024

The North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District will administer the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA) to the students meeting the criteria in the points below.  The NJSLA measures student progress toward the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in language arts, mathematics, and science. State standards are goals for what we want our students to know and the skills they should acquire at each grade level. The NJSLA provides valuable information that we use at NHHS to drive instruction and inform the development of curriculum.  Additionally, the results from the NJSLA are used to rank and compare NHHS to other schools in the county and state. We are asking that you encourage your child to do their best on the NJSLA. Students do not need to study for the NJSLA and they should not stress about it, but during the test we are encouraging all students to put in the effort and engagement necessary to show their true ability and in-turn provide an authentic measure of student learning at NHHS. 

The students being tested in the NJSLA are listed below:

• English/Language Arts – all students in grade 9 (except for students who will be taking the Dynamic Learning Maps assessment)
• Math – all students in grade 9 who are enrolled in Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II and students taking Algebra 1 for the first time (except for students who will be taking the Dynamic Learning Maps assessment)
• Science – all students in grade 11 (except for students who will be taking the Dynamic Learning Maps assessment)

Public school districts are mandated by state law (N.J.S.A. 18A:7C-1) to administer this statewide assessment. It is the expectation of the New Jersey Department of Education and the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District that all students complete all NJSLA assessments that they are assigned. 

Testing Dates and Schedule:

The NJSLA will be administered in our district on May 20 and 21 (English/Language Arts units) and May 22 and 23 (mathematics and science units). The assessments measure student achievement in the areas of language arts literacy, mathematics, and science. Please note that students must complete all units of each NJSLA in order to receive a reported score.

We will be running two bus runs on testing days.  All students taking the assessment need to come to school at the regular time. Students not taking the assessment will get on their bus 2 ½ hours later than their regular pick-up time (please note that academy students who live out of district will not have two bus runs and will come in at the normal time). We will follow the standardized-testing bell schedule during the assessments.

Standardized Testing Bell Schedule

Supervision for seniors and other students not taking the test who arrive early will be available in the Main Gym.

A regular Polytech bus will run for those students not taking the assessment, so they should report to school at the normal time for the bus to Polytech. PM Polytech students will attend the first two periods of school, and then they will have an opportunity to eat lunch before getting on the bus. 

Preparation:

Students have received instruction in their classes to prepare them for these computer-based assessments. To be prepared for this assessment, students should get a good night’s rest and eat a healthy breakfast each morning prior to testing. Encourage your child to do his or her best. More information for the NJSLA can be found at the New Jersey Assessments Resource Center. 

Testing-Day Requirements:

On assessment days, the following is required of all students taking the test:

1. 1. Students must bring their fully-charged Chromebook and charger to school.
   2. Students must bring wired earbuds or headphones for the audio portions of the tests (this is only for the ELA units).
   3. Every student must present his or her school ID card or driver’s license each day of testing to verify identity.
   4. New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) directives prohibit backpacks, handbags, cell phones, any other electronic devices, and food and water bottles from being in the testing areas. Please remind your child to leave these items in his or her locker during testing. 
   5. Students are permitted to bring a book to read after they have completed their assessment.
   6. Attendance will be taken in each testing room daily, so students must report directly to their designated classroom each morning at 7:45 a.m.  
   7. Students who miss any section due to illness will be advised about the make-up testing date and location for the test that was missed.  
   8. Students will be advised of their testing location by email prior to testing.

The testing schedule that has been created allows our students to test in classrooms rather than in large groups, which ensures optimal academic conditions for all students who are taking these assessments while still being able to maintain a normal academic schedule for the remainder of the day. 

Again, please be reminded that all students must present a valid form of ID and that NJDOE directives prohibit backpacks, handbags, cell phones, any other prohibited electronic devices, food, and water bottles from being in the testing areas. 

You can learn more about NJSLA on the New Jersey Department of Education website.

Anyone with questions can contact Tim Flynn, Assistant Principal, at (908) 713-4199 x6351 or by email at tflynn@nhvweb.net. On behalf of the faculty and staff, thank you for your continued support.

Respectfully,

Greg Cottrell, Ed.D

Principal

North Hunterdon High School