Department of Education Calls for Public Input to Inform New Jersey's Next Generation of Statewide Assessments
Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) is announcing the launch of its outreach to obtain input from the public about how to best transition to the next generation of statewide assessments for students in elementary, middle and high school. The first phase of public discussion will begin in May.
"We will be visiting communities throughout the state so we can hear recommendations from parents, students, teachers, school administrators, and other key stakeholders," said Acting Education Commissioner Lamont O. Repollet. "We invite New Jerseyans to share their insights in-person and online, so we may establish priorities for change moving forward."
Stakeholder input will play an integral role in the NJDOE's short- and long-term plans for, and improvements to, the statewide assessment program. The NJDOE is particularly interested in perspectives on the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), which is the current statewide assessment for math and English language arts/literacy. Specifically, public input is needed to determine what elements of the statewide assessment program work well, and what areas need improvement.
"Federal law requires all states to assess students in grades 3 through 8, and again in high school," said Dr. Repollet. "As our assessment system continues to evolve and improve, we must adhere to these laws, implement change in an innovative, deliberative and cost-effective way, and build on the high standards we have for all New Jersey students."
Governor Phil Murphy has made a clear commitment to transition New Jersey to a nation-leading next generation assessment that will take the place of the current PARCC assessment. To fulfill this promise as soon as possible, and in light of lengthy state and federal contract requirements that must be adhered to, the NJDOE is beginning the process of securing contractual partners that are able to meet the design needs informed by the stakeholder feedback gathered over the coming months.
Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on New Jersey's assessments through multiple options, including:
- Submit interest by May 8 to join a Statewide Assessment Collaborative by following this link: http://bit.ly/2Hs6Mwr.
- Watch an online recorded webinar and complete a feedback questionnaire (details will be forthcoming on the NJDOE Assessments webpage).
- Contact assessment@doe.nj.gov with comments or questions regarding the statewide assessment program. Specific recommendations to enhance the current program or support for elements of the current program are encouraged.
In addition, the Department will partner with schools and other stakeholder organizations to take part in roundtable discussions and will also reach out to statewide education associations representing school superintendents, principals, teachers, school board members, and parents.
The NJDOE informed school districts in March that, following these conversations, the Department will present a transition plan to New Jersey's next generation of standardized, statewide assessments. In the meantime, the current statewide assessments, as well as federal and state accountability and graduation requirements, all remain in effect until changes to the regulations are announced.
Next Steps: The feedback and recommendations generated by the first phase of outreach will be collected through June. All input will be considered as the Department plans for the future of statewide assessments in New Jersey and makes initial enhancements to the statewide assessment program in the 2018-19 school year.
"New Jersey's statewide assessments have been a constantly evolving process ever since they were first instituted in the 1970s," said Dr. Repollet. "With that in mind, we will continue to receive feedback and recommendations, and expect to be able to make additional improvements in coming years."