To measure student performance To track student progress To meet state and federal accountability requirements

Test Overview Sections Language Arts Literacy (Reading and Writing) Mathematics Science (only grades 4 and 8)

April 28 – May 1, 2014 Day 1 – Monday, April 28, 2014 – Language Arts Literacy Day 2 – Tuesday April 29, 2014 – Language Arts Literacy Day 3 – Wednesday, April 30, 2014 – Mathematics Day 4 – Thursday, May 1, 2014 – Mathematics (Grade 7 only) Science (Grade 8 only) Grades 7-8

Increase in text complexity. Emphasis on academic vocabulary. Building of knowledge through. content-rich informational text. Text-dependent reading questions to elicit responses grounded in specific evidence from text. Four reading passages 50% or more of the reading passages are informational reading selections.

ELA writing tasks require students to respond for a variety of purposes (i.e. informative/explanatory, argument or persuasion, and narrative.) All writing prompts responses will continue to be scored using the NJ Registered Holistic Scoring Rubric (a 6-point scale).

Mathematics

Mathematics

Writing

Grades 7-8 Sample Argument Writing Prompt Writing Situation Educational researchers claim that student learning will improve if all printed textbooks are replaced with electronic textbooks, known as e-textbooks. Based on the researchers’ findings, students in your school will be issued an e-textbook reader, which is a device that displays electronic books. Writing Task Write an essay either supporting or opposing the claim that student learning will improve if all student textbooks are replaced with electronic reading books. Use your knowledge and your own experience or observation to develop your essay. Use reasons, facts, examples and/or other evidence to support your position.

Reading

Sample Multiple Choice in the Reading Section After reading an informative article, a student might be asked a questions like: Which sentence best states the central idea of the article? A. Asimov’s short stories are still read today. B. Asimov had an exciting and adventurous life. C. Asimov’s childhood helped him succeed as an author. D. Asimov preferred reading to working in his father’s candy store.

Sample Open Ended Question Isaac Asimov became a popular science fiction writer. Based on the article, identify one reason why Asimov’s stories were popular. Based on the article, would scientists be interested in reading Asimov’s science fiction stories? Explain. Use specific information from the selection and any additional insight to support your response. Write your answer in your answer folder.

Science

Ethanol (C 2 H 5 OH) reacts with oxygen (O 2 ) to form carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and water (H 2 0). The reaction is represented by the chemical equation: C 2 H 5 OH + _?_ O 2  2CO 2 + 3H 2 0 How many molecules of oxygen are required in this reaction? a.1 b. 2 c. 3d. 4

Two different bars of soap are being investigated by a group of students. They measured the mass and volume of each bar and recorded the results in the table below. SoapMass (g)Volume (cm3) A B95100 a)Calculate the density of each bar of soap. Show your work. b)The diagram below represents a container of water. Draw and label the positions that soap bar A and soap bar B would occupy if they were placed in this container. c)Explain why you drew each bar of soap in the position selected.

What Can You Do For Your Child?

Essential Daily Routines Check and sign your child’s homework by verifying assignments by viewing the homework websites. Ensure that your child is in school every day and on time. District Policy = 100% attendance Make up any work that is missed when the child is absent. Keep track of your child’s progress by keeping constant communication with their teachers and signing Grade Reporting Sheet

Consequences Detention: missed homework, contract violations (behavior, uniform, school rules and regulations) Loss of privileges: trips, dances, NUT days, 8 th grade activities (due to not adhering to the discipline policy, minuses earned towards 21 st century skills, suspensions) Retention: Based on failing grades, excessive absences

A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP… Limit use of technology such as phones, video games and social media to ensure that your children are getting the rest they need in order to be alert, productive and focused in school.

HABITS FOR SUCCESS! Read at least 30 minutes per night. Study notes in all areas daily. Seek additional help in and out of school. Eat healthy meals daily.