Eliminating the High School Graduation Proficiency Test in New Jersey
For decades, New Jersey high school students have been required to pass a statewide graduation proficiency test to receive their diplomas. Assembly Bill A4121 seeks to change that by eliminating this requirement, recognizing that standardized tests may not accurately reflect student learning or college and career readiness.
What the Bill Aims to Do
A4121 removes the statewide graduation proficiency test from the list of requirements for high school graduation. The bill prohibits the State Board of Education from mandating standardized test performance as a condition for receiving a diploma. Instead, local school districts will determine proficiency in key subjects based on their own standards.
Why It Matters
Standardized tests have long been criticized for their limitations. Research has shown that test performance can be influenced by external factors, including socioeconomic background, test anxiety, and resource disparities among schools. Studies indicate that grade point average (GPA) is a far better predictor of college success than standardized test scores, leading many states to move away from graduation exit exams.
By eliminating this requirement, A4121 aims to create a more equitable and accurate system for evaluating student achievement. This change would align New Jersey with the majority of states, as only 11 states still require a graduation proficiency test. The bill also ensures that students participating in the State Seal of Biliteracy program will not be required to take the proficiency test as part of their graduation requirements.
Why Now?
As education policies evolve, many states have already abandoned graduation exit exams in favor of more holistic measures of student success. By passing A4121, New Jersey can join this movement and ensure that students are evaluated based on their overall academic performance rather than a single test score. This shift would help reduce barriers to graduation, particularly for students who excel in coursework but struggle with standardized tests.
