You are cordially invited to take The NJ ASK!

1. You are cordially invited to take The NJ ASK!

2. The NJ ASK is on Monday – ThursdayMay 5, 6, 7, and 8, 2014Which test comes first? Math Language Arts

3. What does ASK stand for? Achievement test of Student Knowledge Assessment of Scholarly Knowledge Acknowledgement of Student Know-how Assessment of Skills and Knowledge

4. Reading and Writing Requirements READING • 4 reading passages • Students will have 30 minutes to read the passage, answer 9 multiple choice questions and one open ended. • Each open ended response is worth a maximum of 4 points as graded by the 4 point open ended rubric. • Each multiple choice is answer is worth one point. WRITING • One persuasive prompt • Students will be given 45 minutes to plan, write, revise and edit • This piece is worth a maximum of 12 points. It will be scored by two readers using the 6 point scale of the NJ Registered Holistic Scoring Rubric. • One explanatory or narrative prompt • Students will be given 30 minutes to plan, write, revise and edit • This piece is worth a maximum of 6 points using the NJ Registered Holistic Scoring Rubric.

5. 2 Types of Questions: Reading Passages Working with Text • Identifying main idea • Finding supporting details • Vocabulary • Text structures • Author’s purpose • Inferences based on information provided in text Analyzing Text • Questioning, predictions • Making judgments, drawing conclusions • Forming opinions • Author’s meaning • Literary elements • Figurative Language

6. Open Ended Questions After reading a short biography about Isaac Asimov and a passage about one of his books, you would answer nine multiple choice and then one open ended. Here is a 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.

7. Open-Ended Scoring Rubric 4 Points A 4-point response clearly demonstrates understanding of the task, completes all requirements, and provides an insightful explanation/opinion that links to or extends aspects of the text. 3 Points A 3-point response demonstrates an understanding of the task, completes all requirements, and provides some explanation/opinion using situations or ideas from the text as support. 2 Points A 2-point response may address all of the requirements, but demonstrates a partial understanding of the task, and uses text incorrectly or with limited success resulting in an inconsistent or flawed explanation. 1 Point A 1-point response demonstrates minimal understanding of the task, does not complete the requirements, and provides only a vague reference to or no use of the text. 0 A 0-point response is irrelevant or off-topic.

8. Sample Narrative Writing Prompt Think what it would be like to live one day in the setting of your favorite book or short story. What would happen to you in this place? What would you do? Use your knowledge of the setting of a book or short story along with your imagination to write a story about your experience in this place.

9. Sample Explanatory Writing Prompt Anne Frank once said, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Think about what Anne Frank is saying regarding how people can improve the world around them. Write an essay about how people can improve the world around them. Use your knowledge and your own experience or observation to develop your essay. Use details, reasons, and examples in your explanation.

10. Sample Persuasive Writing Prompt WRITING SITUATION Your state is considering whether to charge a $2 fee for each person to enter and use parks and community playgrounds. The money would be used to maintain and improve buildings, fields, courts, and playground equipment. This proposal is controversial, and many citizens have strong opinions about the idea. You decide to write an editorial for the local newspaper expressing your opinion about whether to charge a $2 fee for each person to enter and use parks and community playgrounds. WRITING TASK Write an editorial for the local newspaper expressing your opinion about whether to charge a $2 fee for each person to enter and use parks and community playgrounds. Be sure to include reasons, facts, examples, and/or other evidence to support your position.

11. 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.

12. Scoring The point score (out of 70 pts.) turns into a scaled score: Advanced Proficient: 250 - 300 Proficient: 200– 249 Partially Proficient: 100 – 199

13. Good Luck! You are already well prepared! All you need is a good night’s sleep, A healthy breakfast And a number two pencil….

14. For More Information NJ Department of Education: http://www.nj.gov/education/assessment/es/njask/NJASK13.pdf Parent and Student Handbook: http://www.nj.gov/education/assessment/ms/njask_info_guide.pdf