New Jersey Start Strong are state-mandated assessments in Math, ELA, and Science and are administered to students every September. Students in the following grades/subjects are required to take the assessment:
ELA - grades 7-10
Math - grades 7, 8, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
Science - grades 9 and 12
These online assessments are designed to measure students' mastery of last year's content standards. The tests last up to 60 minutes per subject (excluding Extended Time accommodations for students with approved IEP/504 plans). Students receive scores from 1-3. The higher the score, the less support a student may need to be successful in the tested subject.
The New Jersey Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) is administered every May to 11th grade students. Beginning with the Class or 2024, students must pass both the Math and ELA sections of the assessment to meet the state's graduation requirement. The Math section consists of 2 Units (90 min. each), and the ELA section consists of 2 Units (90 min. each). Click here for more information on the NJGPA and the state's latest HS graduation requirements.
The New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) returned in Spring 2022. Students in the following grades/subjects will be required to take the NJSLA in May:
ELA 7-9: 2 Units, 90 minutes each
Math 7,8: 3 Units, 60 minutes each
Math - Grade 9 (Algebra I or Geometry): 2 Units, 90 minutes each
Science 8: 4 Units, 45 minutes each
Science 11: 4 Units, 60 minutes each
(*Note: Times do not include IEP/504 Extended Time accommodations)
State Testing Windows
Start Strong Assessments (ELA, Math, Science): August 31 - October 21, 2022
NJGPA (Math, ELA - 11th grade only): March 13 - 17, 2023
NJSLA (Math, ELA, Science): May 1 - June 2, 2023
Special Education Resources
Accessibility Features and Accommodations Manual - 9th Edition
Student Resources
MS Math Reference Sheet - For Math students grades 7-8
HS Math Reference Sheet - For Algebra students
Practice Tests for ELA and Math - grades 7-9 (NJSLA), grade 11 (NJGPA)
Practice Tests for Science - grades 8 and 11 (NJSLA)
Tutorial - How to login, navigate the test, and use the equation editor