Q: What is New Jersey United for Higher School Standards all about?
A: New Jersey United provides assistance to school districts and member organizations to facilitate mutual accountability and transparency in public education. We also provide information and tools via this Web site to assist parents and community members in understanding education issues and helping their children succeed.

Q: Why should I attend a New Jersey United community meeting?
A: Community meetings are a unique opportunity for you to discuss the state standards with education experts and learn first hand what your local schools and teachers are doing to meet these new standards.

Q: Can I really make a difference in my child's education by attending a New Jersey United community meeting?
A: Yes. Educational excellence starts at home. The more you know about how and what your child is learning, the better prepared you will be to ask questions about your child's development.

Q: What are standards?
A: New Jersey ’s Core Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS) define what every child in New Jersey should know and be able to do in grades K through 12. The CCCS are intended for all students, including those who are college-bound, career-bound, gifted and talented, from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and limited English proficient. Click here for more information on standards.

Q: Why are standards important?
A: Standards provide guideposts for academic achievement and clearly tell parents and students where they are going. They also help direct schools toward common academic goals and unite the community for reform and achievement.

Q: What are assessments?
A: Assessments are tools used to measure student mastery of New Jersey 's Core Curriculum Content Standards (CCCS). Click here for more information on assessments.

Q: Why are assessments important?
A: Assessments are important because they:
• Provide feedback on individual student progress in achieving the standards.
• Help schools make adjustments to curriculum and teaching to enable students to learn the standards.
• Give an annual picture of the state’s progress toward meeting the standards.

Q: What are the current State of New Jersey assessments?
A: New Jersey has begun to move toward annual testing of students in grades 3-8 as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). New Jersey ’s current assessments are given in grades 3, 4, 8, and 11.

High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA)
* Given to students in grade 11.
* Tests language arts literacy and math.
* Passing is required to earn a high school diploma.

Alternate Proficiency Assessment (APA)
* Given to students with severe disabilities.
* Can be used in place of the NJASK, GEPA, or HSPA.

Special Review Assessment (SRA)
* Given to students who have not demonstrated proficiency in one or more areas of the HSPA.
* SRA Performance Assessment Tasks (PATs) are available in Spanish, Portuguese, and Gujarati.

Q: What is the No Child Left Behind Act?
A: The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was signed into law in 2002 and redefines the federal government’s role in K-12 education. The law is based on four principles to improve student achievement:

1.Stronger accountability for student achievement.
2.Concentrating resources on scientifically proven education methods.
3.More choices for parents when their child’s school does not meet goals.
4.Record flexibility for states and communities in the use of federal funding.