Title: New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK) Parent Meeting
1New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ
ASK)Parent Meeting
- W.E. Houston Academy
- Kim Callender, Literacy Coordinator
- Kim Racine, Math Coach, Test Coordinator
- Henry Hamilton, Principal
- Heather Jones, Assistant Principal
2New Jerseys State Assessments Goals
- To measure and promote student achievement of
challenging state curriculum standards - To provide accurate and meaningful information
about student performance - To meet state and federal accountability
requirements
3NJ ASK Dates
- April 23 - 26 NJASK 7-8
- April 30 - May 3 NJASK 5 6
- May 7 11 NJASK 3-4
4Language Arts Literacy Reading
- NJ ASK 3 5
- Three reading passages
- NJ ASK 6 7
- Four reading passages
- Reading passages will include literature as well
as informational or everyday reading selections - Additional field-test passages and items will be
included
5Language Arts
- Grades 6 -8
- 36 Multiple Choice
- 4 Open-Ended
- 2 Writing Tasks
- Day 1
- 1 hr 45 minutes
- Day 2
- 1 hr 50 minutes 2 hrs 10 minutes
- Grade 5
- 31 Multiple Choice
- 3 Open-Ended
- 2 Writing Tasks
- Day 1
- 90 minutes
- Day 2
- 90 minutes
6Language Arts
- Grade 3
- 18 Multiple Choice
- 3 Open Ended
- 2 Writing Tasks
- Day 1
- 90 minutes
- Day 2
- 90 minutes
- Grade 4
- 27 Multiple Choice
- 3 Open-Ended
- 2 Writing Tasks
- Day 1
- 90 minutes
- Day 2
- 90 minutes
7Language Arts LiteracyWriting Prompts (Grades 3
5)
- The speculative prompt will be presented as a
brief scenario. Students will use that scenario
as a springboard for writing a story, drawing on
stories they have read as well as their own
experiences to develop ideas for their stories. - There are two formats for assessing
explanatory/expository writing one will
introduce a topic in a brief verbal prompt and
ask students to develop a composition about that
topic the second format begins with a poem that
introduces a topic. That topic is elaborated
further by a brief verbal prompt that students
will use as a basis for writing their
composition. - For each writing task, students will have 30
minutes to plan and develop their story or
composition.
8Language Arts LiteracyWriting Prompts (Grade 6 -
8)
- The speculative prompt presents a brief scenario
which students will use as a springboard for
writing a story, drawing on stories they have
read as well as on their own experiences. - Explanatory prompts present students with a topic
based on a quotation or adage, or based on a
familiar subject. Each is a springboard for the
student to write an essay. Explanatory writing is
used to share knowledge and to convey ideas and
experience. Explanatory writing may be based on
the writers personal knowledge and experience or
on information presented to the writer. - Persuasive writing tasks elicit the students
point of view on a given controversy or topic
arising from interpersonal, school/community, or
social contexts.
9Expository Prompt Sample Grades 3 - 5
- Most people have a special activity or hobby
that they enjoy. Some people collect things
while others like to read or play games. What
activity do you like to do? - Write a composition describing what you enjoy
doing. Explain why that activity is special to
you
10Explanatory Prompt Sample Grades 3 - 5
- (Students first listen to and read the Shel
Silverstein poem Moon-Catchin Net) - Has there ever been something you wanted very
much that you may or may not have been able to
get? Write about what you wanted. Include the
following - What did you want to have and why did you want
this? - If you got it, explain how it happened and why
you were successful. - If you didnt get it, explain why not.
- Explain how you might be successful in getting it
in the future.
11Speculative Prompt Sample Grades 3 - 5
- When the school bell rang, Katie and Pablo
grabbed their books and raced out of the
classroom. They had been looking forward to this
afternoon all week long. Today they were going
to go on an adventure. - Write a story about the adventure Katie and
Pablo had after they left school.
12Explanatory Prompt Sample Grade 6 -8
- Many students enjoy doing something special
for their family and friends. For example, they
may take care of their younger sibling or help to
cook a favorite meal. - Write a letter to your family or friends that
describes something special that you would like
to do for them. Explain why this would be
something special and how your family or friends
might react. Be sure to include details and facts
to support your explanation.
13Explanatory Prompt Sample Grades 6 - 8
- Life can be full of pleasant surprises.
Identify a time when you experienced a pleasant
surprise. - Write a composition for your teacher about a
time when you experienced a pleasant surprise.
Explain why this surprise was unexpected and how
it affected your life in a positive way. Be sure
to explain your choice by using details and
examples.
14Explanatory Prompt Sample Grades 6 -8
- Consider how the following quotation is
related to you. - Even if youre on the right track, youll
get run over if you just sit there. - --Will Rogers
- Cherokee-American, cowboy, comedian, and
actor - Write an essay for your language arts teacher
explaining what this quotation means to you. Use
details, reasons, and examples in your
explanation.
15Persuasive Writing Prompt SampleGrades 6 - 8
- WRITING SITUATION
- A well-known musical group has offered to give
a free concert at your school. There has been
much debate as to when the concert should be
held during or after school. You decide to
write a letter to your principal expressing your
opinion about when the concert should be held. - WRITING TASK
- Write a letter to your principal supporting
your position whether the concert should be held
during school time or held after school. Use
reasons, facts, examples and/or other evidence
to support your position.
16MathematicsGrades 3 - 8
- MC - multiple choice
- 1 raw score point
- SCR - short constructed-response
- 1 raw score point
- ECR - extended constructed-response
- 3 raw score point
17Mathematics
- Grades 6 - 8
- 42 Multiple Choice
- 10 SCR
- 5 ECR
- Day 1
- 64 minutes
- Day 2
- 69 minutes
- Grade 5
- 43 Multiple Choice
- 10 SCR
- 5 ECR
- Day 1
- 68 minutes
- Day 2
- 68 minutes
18Mathematics
- Grades 3 4
- 43 Multiple Choice
- 8 SCR
- 4 ECR
- Day 1
- 63 minutes
- Day 2
- 68 minutes
19NJ ASK 3 - 8 MathematicsUpdated Calculator Use
Policy
- The Short Constructed Response (SCR) part of
NJASK grades 3 through 8 will be non-calculator
active for all students, including students with
disabilities. - In grades 3 and 4, calculators will be permitted
on one of the five remaining parts. This part
will include multiple choice items and one
extended constructed response (ECR) item. - In grades 5 8, calculators will be permitted on
three of the five remaining parts. These parts
will include multiple choice and extended
constructed response (ECR) items.
20NJ ASK 3 - 8 MathematicsCalculator Use Policy
- All students are prohibited from using a
calculator during the non-calculator active parts
of the math test - However, students whose IEP/504 plan allows for
its use may use a calculator and or approved
manipulatives on the MC and ECR parts of the test
of the test if the accommodations is documented
in the IEP/504 plan.
21Mathematics Points by Standard
Point Breakdown Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grades 6-8
Standard 1 Number Sense and Numerical Operations 20 20 14 13
Standard 2 Geometry and Measurement 11 11 12 13
Standard 3 Patterns and Algebra 11 11 12 13
Standard 4 Data Analysis, Probability and Discrete Math 8 8 12 13
22Mathematics SCR Sample
- Grade 3
- Item A lunch menu has 3 beverage selections
water, juice, and milk. The menu also offers 2
sandwich selections turkey and peanut butter.
How many different meals of one beverage and one
sandwich are possible? (answer 6) - Grade 4
- Inez has a toy car collection. She has 55 red
cars, 67 blue cars, and 123 orange cars. How many
cars does she have in all? (answer 245)
23Mathematics SCR Sample
- Grade 5
- A gallon contains 128 ounces. Paul wants to
divide 3 gallons of apple cider equally among the
2 dozen friends at his party. How many ounces of
apple cider will each friend receive? (answer
16) - Grade 6
- How many ways can a teacher choose 2 students
from a group of 4 students? (Answer 6) - Grade 7
- On a map, the distance from the library to the
park is 7¼ inches. If the map uses the scale ½
inch 1 mile, what is the actual distance, in
miles, from the park to the library? (Answer 14½
miles)
24Mathematics Non-Calculator Multiple Choice Item
Grades 3 - 8
- Which number would make the number sentence 438
-? 259 true? - A. 217
- B. 211
- C. 189
- D. 179
- What is the difference of 23.79 4.93?
- A. 12.86
- B. 18.86
- C. 19.86
- D. 21.26
- If 14 x n 252, what is the value of n?
- A. 13
- B. 18
- C. 23
- D. 28
25NJ ASK Science
The NJ ASK Science assesses 10 core curriculum
content standards with a focus on the Life,
Physical and Earth clusters.
- Scientific Processes
- Science and Society
- Mathematical Applications
- Nature and Process of Technology
- Characteristics of Life
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Earth Science
- Astronomy and Space Science
- Environmental Studies
26NJ ASK Science Grade 4 8
- Science assessment includes four sections, each
containing ten multiple choice questions and one
open ended question. - Each multiple choice item is worth one point
each open-ended item is worth up to three points.
Each open-ended item is scored using an
item-specific rubric - Duration of Test 60 minutes
- Life Science (Life Environment) 40 of the
test - Physical Science (Physics Chemistry)30 of the
test - Earth Science (Geology and Astronomy)30 of the
test
27 NJ ASK Science Sample Multiple Choice
- Celestial objects like stars can be seen on a
clear night using - A. a microscope
- B. binoculars
- C. a graduated cylinder
- D. a thermometer
28NJ ASK ScienceSample Open Ended
- Victor has two glasses. One glass has ice cubes
and the other is filled with water. Give three
ways the ice and water are different.
29NJ ASK Test Prep at W.E. Houston Academy
- After School Tutoring using a variety of NJASK
Test Prep materials ie. Barrons Literacy Math,
Instructivism ELA, Coach Science, Measuring Up
ELA Math, Buckle Down ELA, Math - Small group instruction based on school
district selection test, unit, and benchmark
data. - On Demand Open-ended prompt test samples and
writing prompts - Exposing our students to the type of questions
they will see on the NJASK - Assessments
- Released sample questions from Dept. of Education
- Homework packets of sample questions
30How is data used?
- To analyze and compare data over the years to
identify areas of strengths and weaknesses - To examine test scores to identify areas of
strengths and weaknesses on a grade level and for
individual students. - To analyze data and plan instruction based on
student needs - To integrate test taking strategies across the
curriculum
31Parents can prepare our students forwriting
by Review your childs writing Provide
ample opportunities for students to practice
Time the students writing once in a while Try
writing one yourself and share your writing with
your child. Score the writing with the
students using the rubric Allow children to
discuss with you openly about areas for
improvements Have students use a Writing
Journal Have students read their writings over
again throughout the year Write about
Non-Fiction on topics, Editorial and Opinions
32Parents can prepare our students forreading by
- Check to see students are reading everyday
- Read with your child (Books, Newspapers,
Magazines) - Help students use the rubric to score their
response to - OE questions.
- Regularly discuss with your child the main
idea, - authors purpose and the theme of the
story. - Delve deeply into the book to compare
characters and summarize - problem and solution of the story.
- Allow children to discuss with you openly about
areas for - improvements
33Preparation for NJASK Math
- We prepare our students for math by
- Mathematics Curriculum (Investigation)
- Sample tests and analyze student data to plan
for - Instructions
- Instructional support as needed
- Problem of the Day (POD)
- Connect to real world
- Review materials as needed
- Kid friendly rubric
- Allow students to use various strategies to
answer - questions
34Preparation for NJASK Math
- Use rubric to score their response to OE
questions - Have students create questions for an answer
- Have students answer questions using pictures,
numbers - and words (if applicable)
- Have students find more than one answer for a
given - problem (making change)
- Review materials from the beginning of the year
frequently
35How to Win The Test Game
- Do NOT skip introductory statements, openings, or
summary for a passage to follow. A question
usually is answered in this section. - Fill in a choice for every answer.
- Check back in selection for answers!!!!!!
- Help students become accustomed to language of
the test. Review direction words.
36Winning the Test Game
- READ directions. They may contain a helpful tip.
- For multiple choice items, have students guess
when they have no idea or to leave the bubble
blank depending on whether test is counting right
answers or deducting for wrong ones. - Use the text, not your life to pick your answer
- Sometimes its important to refer to your life.
Prior experience with vocabulary may trigger the
meaning. - Learn to read questions
- Consider what the question is asking. Choose
answers that relate to the question. Teach kids
how not to get seduced by facts of the story that
were repeated in the answer choice . - Risk an unfamiliar choice. Encourage students to
choose a strange word when the other choices have
been eliminated.
37Winning the Test Game
- Use elimination to choose ONE answer. After
reading the stem, get rid of the WRONG options. - Check your answers. Revisit questions that give
you trouble. Revisit NOT questions. - Abandon negativity. Read the text like you are
very interested. - Summarize. Summarizing helps you get the BIG
PICTURE that is important when answering about
the details. - Prioritize. Do the easy questions first and skip
the difficult ones. Do the difficult ones when
you finish the easy ones. Note the difficult one
wit a tiny dot on the answer sheet next to the
number. Remember to go back and erase the dot. - Simplify. Dense text may look overwhelming but
may NOT be difficult to read. Use an index card
or sheet of paper to block out distractions. - Build reading stamina. Provide opportunities to
read for sustained periods of time
38Winning the Test Game
- The option is usually incorrect if it contains
very definite language like always, never, none,
all, etc. Few answers are so clear. - The option is often correct if it contains more
negotiable language like often, probably, some,
usually, etc. - If the stem can be answered by using ONLY your
memory or experience, you have chosen the wrong
option. - Watch for true answers even facts from the
story- that do not relate to the stem. Check to
see if the answers are correct. - Clean up all stray marks on answer sheets that
might be scanned.
39Home Preparations
- Normal Routines
- Balanced Breakfast
- Try Your Best
- Attendance/Arrival
- Share Relaxation
- Techniques
- Be Positive
- ONE test
40State Websites
- NJCCS
- www.state.nj.us/education/assessment
- New Jersey Department of Education
- www.state.nj.us/education/
- Search Keywords NJASK
- state standardized tests New Jersey
- released NJASK questions
41Questions???????
- Feel free to contact the Leadership Team and
Guidance Department at (973)- 266-5880 - Mrs. Racine
- Ms. Callender
- Mrs. Jones
- Mr. Hamilton
- Mrs. Chiles
- Mrs. Saint Preux