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Board member proposes state review of NJSLA digital‑interface impacts on scores
Summary
A board member urged the district to draft a resolution asking the State Department of Education to study whether students' familiarity with digital test interfaces (Chromebooks) distorts NJSLA results; several members expressed support for pursuing NJSBA procedures and counsel guidance.
During new business, board member Mr. Wasquez proposed drafting a resolution to ask the New Jersey Department of Education to study whether students' ability to use the NJSLA digital interface (Chromebook navigation) acts as a covariate that could artificially lower test scores.
"Technology aptitude is a potential covariant, and failing to account for that could lead to inaccurate conclusions or misleading interpretations," Mr. Wasquez said, arguing that test conditions should measure subject knowledge rather than digital navigation skills. He described a multi‑month path to pursue the topic through a board resolution to the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) delegate assembly and possible follow‑up at the Department of Education.
Board members responded with support for investigating the issue and for following NJSBA procedures. One board member noted they had been in contact with NJSBA counsel and tentatively planned to attend the NJSBA resolutions subcommittee to understand how the association reviews proposed resolutions.
The discussion produced direction to explore drafting a formal resolution and to consult with NJSBA counsel and internal staff about timeline and wording. No formal board resolution was adopted during this meeting; the item remains a board direction to prepare a draft for future consideration.
