NJ PEP: Virtual Academy (NJ Professional Education Port)

Assessment in the Standards Movement

   The state tests (NJ ASK, GEPA, and HSPA) are criterion-based assessments since they test for learning of standards. They are also known as criterion-based, because they test whether the student understands or "knows and is able to use" the information.
   Assessment can be at the end of a unit or term (summative assessment) or periodically during learning stages (formative assessment).
   Assessment types are paper-and-pencil, written, a project, or performance. We give here only examples of the written testing type currently used in New Jersey's statewide testing. MCQs (multiple-choice questions) can test the facts but can also be designed to make students think. OE (open-ended) questions are most often associated with thinking and problem-solving. They may be short-answer or essay, and they can be in any content area.

Please explore sample questions

NJDOE Statewide Assessment Schedule
Elementary School sample questions	Middle School sample questions	High School sample questions
ES sample questions and tests from NJ and around the U.S.	MS sample questions and tests from around the U.S.	HS sample questions and tests from around the U.S.
	Sample NJ 8th grade science questions.
	5th - 7th grade assessments from around the U.S., and time & schedule of tests
NJDOE: Elementary school information and samples	NJDOE: Middle school information and samples	NJDOE: High school information and samples

Inquire Further

NJPEP's assessment and classroom assessment page, especially part 3 (Assessment for Instruction) which talks of use of analytic and holistic rubrics.

Writing Multiple-Choice Questions that Demand Critical Thinking

How to Write Tests - a very clearly written resource for all kinds of test questions.

Good questions are the key to good research, showing how Bloom's Taxonomy may be applied in the primary classroom (in Australia). See also: Applying Bloom's Taxonomy by Joan Dalton which gives question stems and possible related activities.