Grade 5-8 Math and Science
The objective of today’s session is to familiarize you with different aspects of the NJASK assessments, including the composition of the test, the available resources, past performance by cluster and past performance by proficiency level of demographic subgroups.
Please work with your partner(s) in one of the following groups. Be prepared to share your findings with your whole group after the time specified by your Facilitator.
Subgroup A (Test Specifications): Look over test specifications for the following information:
Part 1
 breakdown of questions by Cluster,
 the types of question (for example, multiple choice, constructed response)
 the amount of time for each section, and
 the number of points in each section
 allowable calculator usage on the math section http://spboe.org/cms/lib3/NJ01001778/Centricity/ModuleInstance/3766/Calculator%20U sage%20for%20NJASK%203-8%20for%20each%20part.pdf
Part 2
Then, look at the rubrics, and resources students are given during the assessment (writers checklist, math reference sheet and/or manipulatives) and be prepared to explain them to your partners.
Subgroup B (Preparation Resources): Look over the available resources, including multiple choice, short constructed (if applicable) and extended constructed response questions available from the
NJDOE. Use the following link: http://spboe.org/Page/3970
Make a list of other resources that you have used in the past, whether they be publisher’s workbooks, worksheets you have assembled, etc.
Subgroup C (Analysis of Whole School Data by Cluster): Compare our school performance with our
District Factor Group (DFG) Mean, the State Mean and the Just Proficient Mean for Total Students,
General Education and Special Education Students. Look at the performance over the past three years and see if you notice any trends in particular cluster areas or with particular subgroups. Use the following link to get you to the data: http://spboe.org/Page/3657
Subgroup D (Analysis of Whole School Data by Demographic Group and Proficiency Level): Look at the number of students that scored Partially Proficient, Proficient and Advanced Proficient for the different Demographic Groups last year. Also look over the descriptions for each grade level for those same categories.