We’ve been hearing about it for weeks: “The NJGPA is right around the corner!”  This test, which every 11th grade student must take, is a graduation requirement in the State of New Jersey. 

The test came into existence in 2022, when Former Governor Murphy signed a bill from the legislature that adopted the NJGPA as the official “graduation proficiency test.” Since then, there have been repeated attempts to abolish the test, most recently with a bill passing in December. But none of these attempts have been successful. 

Rather than reconsidering the policy, though, the state appears to be doubling down. New Jersey recently entered into a nearly $60 million contract with Cambium Assessments to continue NJGPA testing for another two-years. 

But is it worth it?

Ensuring that high school graduates meet basic standards is a reasonable goal. The issue is that the NJGPA is an expensive and inefficient way to measure these standards.  

It costs the taxpayers millions of dollars and takes four school days to administer. And what do students get in return for their time and effort? A score that serves one purpose: confirming they are allowed to graduate.

A better alternative already exists, and is seen just a few hours north. 

In Connecticut, the State Department of Education requires students to take the SAT as a part of its graduation requirements. While a student in New Jersey will pay $68 out of pocket to take the test for college admissions, Connecticut provides a free, school-day SAT to every 11th grader. 

This approach costs the state less money, takes less instructional time, and gives students something tangible: a nationally recognized score they can use for their college applications. 

And Connecticut isn’t alone, 25 states now use the SAT or ACT as a graduation requirement and give students the ability to take it for free. 

It’s time for New Jersey to follow suit.