Performance Level Descriptors

New Jersey Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (NJ ASK)
Performance Level Descriptors
Mathematics
Grade 8

06/09/08

Partially Proficient

Eighth grade students performing at the partially proficient level demonstrate limited evidence of conceptual and analytical understanding of mathematical knowledge, procedures, skills and processes across and within the four content standards. A partially proficient student inconsistently demonstrates the ability to:

identify, recognize and compare different representations of numbers. They demonstrate a limited understanding of the meanings and uses of numerical operations and number systems.
apply geometrical concepts; identify, describe, and classify two- and three-dimensional shapes; and solve problems involving geometry, spatial sense and measurement.
represent and analyze relationships among variable quantities and solve problems involving patterns, functions, and algebraic concepts and processes. Students have difficulty modeling situations algebraically, symbolically and graphically.
analyze, interpret, and make predictions based on appropriate representations for sets of data. They are limited in applying and interpreting the concepts of probability and discrete mathematics to solve problems.

Partially proficient students comprehend some mathematical vocabulary and communicate their reasoning ineffectually within and among the mathematical content areas.

Proficient

Eighth grade students performing at the proficient level demonstrate evidence of conceptual and analytical understanding of mathematical knowledge, procedures, skills and processes across and within the four content standards.

Proficient students identify, recognize and compare different representations of numbers and demonstrate an understanding of the meanings and uses of numerical operations and number systems.
Proficient students apply geometrical concepts; identify, describe, and classify two- and three-dimensional shapes; and solve problems involving geometry, spatial sense and measurement.
Proficient students will represent and analyze relationships among variable quantities and solve problems involving patterns, functions, and algebraic concepts and processes. Students will model situations algebraically, symbolically and graphically.
Proficient students analyze, interpret, and make predictions based on appropriate representations for sets of data. They apply and interpret the concepts of probability and discrete mathematics to solve problems.

Proficient students are mathematically literate in their ability to comprehend vocabulary, understand appropriate context and communicate their reasoning within and among the mathematical content areas.

Advanced Proficient

Advanced proficient students demonstrate the qualities outlined for the proficient student. Additionally, advanced proficient students use inductive and deductive reasoning as well as demonstrate mathematical fluency. Students performing at the advanced proficient level demonstrate clear and thorough conceptual understanding. They are able to extrapolate information to form and support conclusions through clear and thorough explanations as well assess the reasonableness of their solution.