Overview of NJASK 8

WHY? ~ NCLB- “No Child Left Behind” –2002 ~ Every state must have an annual assessment for language arts and math grades (3-8) Students in grade 8 will test in science Align state assessments with CCCS (grade level expectations of knowledge & skills) NCLB mandates all students attain a level of proficiency by school year Provides information to schools about students’ levels of proficiencies in meeting state/federal benchmarks

WHO? All students enrolled in New Jersey public schools. Most English Language Learner students and special education students

WHAT?  LANGUAGE ARTS ASSESSMENT Writing- Explanatory-30 minutes Speculative-30 minutes Persuasive- 45 minutes 3 Reading Texts  Narrative Texts 30 minutes each  Informational Texts * With multiple choice & open-ended questions Each multiple choice question is worth 1 point Open-Ended questions are worth up to 4 points

WHEN? NJASK TESTING: April 23th-26 th Day 1 - Mon. Language Arts -1hr, 45mins Day 2 - Tues. Language Arts- 2 hrs, 10 mins Day 3 - Wed. Math - 3 hours Day 4 - Thurs. Science- 2 hours

Adequate Yearly Progress Each state must develop a timeline that effectively ensures that 100% of students are proficient in the state’s academic standards (reading and math) by years Academic Year (100%) 6

INDIVIDUAL STUDENT REPORT

NJ ASK

Open-Ended Questions RESPONDING TO A LITERATURE OPEN-ENDED QUESTION Open-Ended question are worth up to 4 points. Students should follow a specific formula for their response: Using R.A.C.E. the student should: Restate the question Answer all parts of the question Cite details and support from the text Extend to themselves, another text, or to the world

SAMPLE LANGUAGE ARTS OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS Irony in a story can occur when something surprising happens or when something happens other than what we expect. Describe an event in the story that is ironic. Explain how the irony of this event affects the outcome of the story. Use specific information from the selection and any additional insight to support your response. Write your answer in your answer folder.

SCORING GUIDE:READING OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS 4-point response - Clearly demonstrates understanding of the task, completes all requirements, and provides an insightful explanation/ opinion that links to or extends aspects of the text. 3-point response - Demonstrates an understanding of the task, completes all requirements, and provides some explanation/ opinion using situations or ideas from the text as support. 2-point response - May address all of the requirements, but demonstrates a partial understanding of the task, and uses text incorrectly or with limited success resulting in an inconsistent or flawed explanation. 1-point response - Demonstrates minimal understanding of the task, does not complete the requirements, and provides only a vague reference to or no use of the text.

Speculative Writing The speculative writing prompt is a brief scenario with characters and a setting. The students must develop a story based on the prompt, using all that they have learned about organization.

Sample Speculative Prompt Your class went to a park near the school to see the Butterfly House. Thousands of rare butterflies live in this special glass house built just for the butterflies. When you entered the Butterfly House, you were suddenly covered with hundreds of butterflies. Use your imagination to write a story about what happened when you were covered with butterflies on your visit to the Butterfly House.

Create an opening “hook” Create characters and dialogue Frame a setting Create a plot State and explain the main problem Solve the problem Write the lesson learned Do all tasks while using high level vocabulary, descriptive adjectives and verbs, specific nouns, figurative language, varied sentence structure, and other advanced writing techniques All scores based on a 6 point rubric In 30 Minutes…

Explanatory Writing There are two formats for assessing explanatory-expository writing: one will introduce a topic and ask students to develop a composition about that topic. Format #1: Situational We all know someone who deserves an award for being talented. Identify someone you know who deserves an award such as “The Best Mom,” “The Most Talented,” or “The Best Cook.” Write an essay for your teacher in which you identify a person you feel deserves an award. Explain the award and why you think the person deserves it. Be sure to use details, reasons, and examples in your explanation.

Format #2- Quotation As part of a language arts class assignment, you have been asked to consider how the following quotation is related to you. “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” – Joseph Addison Write an essay explaining what this quotation means to you. Use details and examples in your essay. Explanatory Writing

Writing Situation Your principal is asking students to think about all the school rules. She would like students to identify any school rule that should be changed. Is there a school rule that you would like to have changed? Identify the school rule and write a letter to the principal persuading her that this rule should be changed. Writing Task Write a letter to your principal stating your opinion on a school rule that should be changed. Be sure to use reasons, examples, and other evidence to support your position. Persuasive Writing

SCORING YOUR WRITING _dept/NJASK/Rubrics/NJASK%206%20pt%20rub ric.htm

HOW IS IT SCORED? The Speculative and Explanatory Writing is scored on a 6-point scale. ( Rubric as previously shown) You must get a 4 or higher to pass this section of the writing. Persuasive Writing is scored twice by two different people. You will receive a combined score. You must get a score of 8 or higher to pass this section. Your entire score for LAL is based on both the Reading and Writing. You must get a 200 or above to pass the NJASK LAL section of the test.

Preparing for Testing Go to bed at a decent hour. The more rest you get the better you will feel during testing. Eat breakfast every morning before testing. GOOD LUCK!!