Defining Student Success
While the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments (NJSLA) in English Language Arts, Math, and Science focus on academic content, they are limited in their ability to assess five critical competencies necessary for 21st-century success that are imperative to helping kids have bright futures: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and citizenship. As educational needs evolve, many educators and experts argue that standardized tests like the NJSLA do not adequately measure these broader skills that students need to thrive in today’s interconnected, innovation economy.
Critical thinking, for instance, enables students to analyze information and make informed decisions—skills essential for navigating complex issues. Creativity fosters innovation and the ability to approach problems from fresh perspectives, while collaboration teaches students how to work effectively in diverse teams. Communication skills, crucial in nearly every career, enable students to express and interpret ideas clearly. Finally, citizenship instills a sense of responsibility toward society and prepares students to be engaged, informed members of their communities.
While the NJSLA measures foundational knowledge, embedding these additional values in our curriculum helps to provide an authentic, meaningful assessment of what students can actually do. As we prepare students for future careers and active citizenship, it is vital to incorporate these competencies into education, providing a well-rounded approach that goes beyond standardized testing.