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New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK)
Performance Level Descriptors
Language Arts Literacy
Grade 6
06/09/08
Partially Proficient
Reading
Students performing at the partially proficient level construct meaning by using reading strategies for literal and limited inferential comprehension, make connections with the text and provide some support for opinions and conclusions. They demonstrate some understanding of text structures and literary elements, and use word structure and context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words.
Writing
As partially proficient writers, these students develop a single focus and organize and connect ideas with some supporting details. They write for a limited variety of purposes, attempt to provide support for opinions and conclusions, and incorporate basic writing mechanics.
Proficient
Reading
Students performing at the proficient level construct meaning by using reading strategies to comprehend literally and inferentially. Students at this level identify the central idea, relevant and essential details, and textual conventions. Proficient students are able to analyze and evaluate organizational structures and literary elements and devices. Proficient sixth grade students make connections and inferences, and identify author’s purpose, views or beliefs. These students determine meaning of words and phrases by applying knowledge of word structure and using context clues.
Writing
As proficient writers, these students develop and maintain a single focus and supporting details within a clear and appropriate organizational structure. Proficient students write for a variety of purposes while keeping their audience in mind. Students provide support for opinions and conclusions, and attempt to use literary devices.
Advanced Proficient
Reading
As readers, students performing at the advanced level of proficiency consistently demonstrate the skills outlined for proficient performance. In addition, students demonstrate comprehension and extend meaning by making connections, generating new ideas, and making insightful judgments about text.
Writing
As writers, students performing at the advanced level of proficiency consistently demonstrate the skills outlined for proficient performance. In addition, the advanced proficient students develop a logical progression of ideas with style, voice, and precise word choice. Students at this level apply appropriate compositional risks.
