New and Updated for 2012-2013 -The increased difficulty will prepare students for the more rigorous NJ ASK Language Arts Literacy (LAL) test. -The wider range of exercises will challenge students and help students master reading comprehension skills. -The core skills exercises will develop the reading, writing, and language skills described in the Common Core State Standards. About the Book This workbook is designed to develop the skills that students need to succeed on the New Jersey state test. It offers a simple system for ongoing practice that will help students develop the reading and writing skills that all New Jersey students need. Each set in the workbook includes reading comprehension questions, plus a core skills exercise focused on one key reading, writing, or language skill. The 40 sets in the book allow students to gradually develop the key skills they will need, while building confidence and reducing test anxiety. Students will be prepared and ready for the NJ ASK Language Arts Literacy (LAL) test! Key Features -40 reading mini-tests to make test preparation simple -Short passages and question sets allow for easy 20-minute practice sessions -Easily integrates with student learning throughout the year -Covers the same skills tested on the state test -Includes exercises focused on developing the reading, writing, and language skills described in the Common Core State Standards -Includes additional information and teaching notes on the key reading skills that New Jersey students need to master About the Common Core Standards The state of New Jersey has adopted the Common Core State Standards. These standards describe what students are expected to learn. Student learning is based on these standards throughout the year, and the state test includes questions that assess whether students have the skills described in the standards. This workbook has been expanded to include core skills exercises focused on the reading, writing, and language skills described in the Common Core State Standards. The exercises have a range or formats and are designed to challenge students. As students gain the reading comprehension skills that will assist them on the state test, they will also develop these broader skills that will help them in all areas.