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NJSLA-A

2026-2027 School Year

NJDOE Assessment Calendar

NJSLA-A ELA and Math Spring Administration
NJSLA- Science Administration

-ELA: 3 through 9
-Math: 3 through high school
(Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra II as needed based on accountabilty)
-Science: 5, 8 and 11

April 18 2027 through May 21, 2027

 

New Jersey Learning Assessment-Adaptive Information

Students and Families: Learn more about the NJSLA-Adaptive Assessment
Link: https://nj.portal.cambiumast.com/families.html

 New Jersey Practice Tests & Tutorials
Link: https://nj.mypearsonsupport.com/practice-tests/

New Jersey Learning Assessment - Science
Link: https://measinc-nj-science.com/

 New Jersey Learning Assessment - Science - Parent, Student & Teacher Information Guide
Link: https://measinc-nj-science.com/sites/default/files/2023-12/NJSLA-S_PST_Information_Guide_20230907.pdf

New Jersey Department of Education: NJSLA-Adaptive Frequently Asked Questions:           Link: https://www.nj.gov/education/assessment/adaptive/faq.shtml

Dynamic Learning Maps
Link: https://dynamiclearningmaps.org/newjersey

 
 
Common Questions & Helpful Responses: 
 

1. How will the NJSLA-A and NJGPA-A be administered?

  1. Each test will consist of three units:

    • ELA‑Reading
    • ELA‑Writing
    • Mathematics
  2. What are the new statewide assessments?
The New Jersey Student Learning Assessments-Adaptive (NJSLA-A) and New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment-Adaptive (NJGPA-A) are New Jersey’s updated platform for measuring student learning, supporting instructional improvement, and meeting State and federal assessment requirements.


3. What accommodations are available to students for the NJSLA-A and NJGPA-A administrations?

  1. The accommodations available on the new test are consistent with the supports that were available prior NJSLA and NJGPA tests. Students will have access to a variety of digital tools and accommodations, including, but not limited to:

    1. American Sign Language*
    2. Braille*
    3. Extended time
    4. Highlighting and digital notetaking
    5. Paper versions of the assessment*
    6. Text-to-speech
    7. Speech-to-text response
    8. Zoom/magnification

    *Indicates that the accommodation is not adaptive.

    The accommodations available on the new test are consistent with those used on prior NJSLA and NJGPA tests.

    A list and description of the available accommodations (referred to as Testing Attributes) can be found in the Testing Attributes Reference Manual (TARM) or on the New Jersey Assessments Portal Resources page by searching “attributes.”

4. Are mathematics assessments available in Spanish or other languages?

  1. The mathematics assessment will be available in English and Spanish.

5. What is an adaptive test, and what are the benefits to students?

  1. A computer-adaptive test (CAT) is an assessment tool that determines future questions based on a student's responses to prior questions, creating a more personalized experience for each learner. This approach can help reduce testing anxiety by presenting students with questions closer to their current level, encouraging confidence and focus. An adaptive assessment measures each student’s knowledge with greater precision since students receive more items closer to their current level.

    Many students have participated in adaptive testing. While used for different purposes, the NWEA MAP and i-Ready assessments are two examples that families may be familiar with.

6. How will writing be scored?

  1. The writing test will be scored using a holistic rubric with two dimensions: Conventions and Composition. For additional information, please see the NJSLA-A and NJGPA-A Writing Rubrics.

7.  Who is required to participate in the NJSLA-A?

  1. All public school students in required tested grades, including students with disabilities and multilingual learners, consistent with State and federal regulations.

8. How can students familiarize themselves with the new assessments?

  1. Students are strongly encouraged to review the free online practice tests. These tests are designed to help students become familiar with the testing platform, item formats, and available tools and features they will use during the NJGPA-A or NJSLA-A.

    While the practice tests include grade-level content aligned to standards, they are not intended for content preparation or instruction. Their primary purpose is to help students feel comfortable navigating the system and understand how the assessment tools work before test day.

9. When can we expect the results for the 2026 NJSLA-A and NJGPA-A?

Results from the Spring 2026 administrations will be released later than in previous years. This additional time is needed because Spring 2026 marked the transition to the new computer-adaptive versions of the NJSLA and NJGPA, which required the establishment of new performance standards and cut scores before results could be reported.

Spring 2026 Results:

  • NJGPA-A: August 17, 2026
  • NJSLA-A and NJSLA-S: Fall 2026

Upcoming administrations:

  • Fall 2026 NJGPA-A: December 9, 2026 
  • Fall Block 2026 NJSLA-A: January 20, 2027
  • Spring 2027 NJGPA-A: April 23, 2027
  • Spring 2027 NJSLA-A: June 30, 2027

10. What is the purpose of NJGPA-A and NJSLA-A score reports?

Score reports are designed to show how well a student demonstrated grade-level knowledge and skills on the NJGPA-A or NJSLA-A compared to the expectations for their specific grade level. They are most useful when viewed alongside classroom performance and other indicators of student learning. The reports highlight strengths and areas for continued growth in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics.
The NJSLA-A for ELA and Mathematics has five performance levels:
  • Did Not Yet Meet Expectations
  • Partially Met Expectations
  • Approaching Expectations
  • Met Expectations
  • Exceeded Expectations
The NJSLA-Science has four performance levels:
  • Below Proficient
  • Near Proficient
  • Proficient
  • Advanced Proficiency