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New Jersey Career Readiness Alignment | Renzulli Learning
Career Readiness, Life Literacies & Key Skills · New Jersey

New Jersey Durable Skills & Career Readiness Alignment

A K-12 alignment of Renzulli Learning’s seven durable skills — critical thinking, creativity, executive function, leadership, collaboration, communication, and self-direction — with New Jersey’s career readiness framework: the four NJSLS-CLKS standards, the 120-credit graduation requirement, the NJGPA, the FAFSA/NJAFAA requirement, CTE Programs of Study under Perkins V, Work-Based Learning, Individual Learning Plans, ESSA accountability, and the seven New Jersey CTSOs.

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7 Durable Skills
Critical thinking, creativity, executive function, leadership, collaboration, communication, self-direction
4 Assessments
Profiler, Cebeci Test of Creativity, Executive Function Assessment, Leadership Assessment
40,000+
Curated, standards-aligned enrichment activities
K-12
Single platform from elementary through senior year
Why durable skills

The Seven Durable Skills at the Center of New Jersey’s Career Readiness Framework

New Jersey’s career readiness framework names the durable skills it wants every graduate to master — critical thinking, creativity, executive function, leadership, collaboration, communication, and self-direction. These are the same skills that the New Jersey Department of Education describes as the Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills Practices in its NJSLS-CLKS framework: habits of the mind that all educators in all content areas should seek to develop in their students, linked to college, career, and life success. They are easy to name across the four NJSLS-CLKS standards, the 120-credit graduation requirement, the NJGPA, the FAFSA/NJAFAA requirement, CTE Programs of Study under Perkins V, Work-Based Learning, and Individual Learning Plans — but harder to measure and develop systematically across grades K-12.

Renzulli Learning is the only K-12 platform that does both. The Cebeci Test of Creativity measures creativity (US Patent 12,087,176) — the durable skill behind NJSLS-CLKS Standard 9.4 Life Literacies and Key Skills, NJ portfolio appeals, and local-district Portrait of a Graduate creativity competencies. The Executive Function Assessment measures planning, working memory, and self-regulation — the durable skills behind 120-credit completion, NJGPA preparation, and CTE concentrator progression. The Leadership Assessment measures leadership, collaboration, communication, and work ethic — the durable skills behind every New Jersey CTSO. The Profiler captures interests, learning styles, and expression styles in 20+ languages — the foundation of NJSLS-CLKS Standard 9.2 Career Awareness, FAFSA-driven postsecondary planning, and CTE pathway selection.

Renzulli Learning is the K-12 platform that both measures and develops the seven durable skills behind every New Jersey career readiness requirement. Project-Based Learning produces evidence complementing CTE program artifacts, WBL placements, NJGPA portfolio appeals, and CTSO competition entries. The Personal Success Plan generates exportable summaries documenting student progression year by year — mapped directly to the NJSLS-CLKS standards, Individual Learning Plan goals, and the 120-credit content areas. The Enrichment Database — 40,000+ curated, standards-aligned activities — develops every durable skill across humanities, STEM, financial literacy, and the arts. The result: New Jersey districts get measurable durable-skills evidence — turning the NJSLS-CLKS framework from policy language into year-round documented practice.
The seven durable skills Renzulli develops

Durable Skills, Defined: What Renzulli Learning Measures and Develops

Each durable skill has a specific Renzulli instrument that measures it and a specific platform feature that develops it. These are the same skills behind every New Jersey NJSLS-CLKS standard — and the same skills the Cebeci Test of Creativity, Executive Function Assessment, Leadership Assessment, Profiler, Personal Success Plan, Project-Based Learning tools, and Enrichment Database produce evidence for:

Critical Thinking

Measure: Cebeci Test of Creativity
Develop: Project-Based Learning

Creativity

Measure: Cebeci Test of Creativity (US Patent 12,087,176)
Develop: Enrichment Database + Project-Based Learning

Executive Function

Measure: Executive Function Assessment
Develop: Personal Success Plan cycles + project planning

Leadership

Measure: Leadership Assessment
Develop: CTSO-aligned projects

Collaboration

Measure: Leadership Assessment
Develop: Group Project-Based Learning + peer feedback

Communication

Measure: 21st-century skills rubrics
Develop: Project presentations & portfolios

Self-Direction

Measure: Profiler + Executive Function Assessment
Develop: Personal Success Plan year-round goal cycles

New Jersey Student Learning Standards — Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills

The Four NJSLS-CLKS Standards + Common Local Portrait of a Graduate Attributes

New Jersey does not maintain a single statewide Portrait of a Graduate document; instead, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) anchors career readiness on the 2020 New Jersey Student Learning Standards — Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills (NJSLS-CLKS), comprising four standards: 9.1 Personal Financial Literacy; 9.2 Career Awareness, Exploration, Preparation, and Training; 9.3 Career and Technical Education; and 9.4 Life Literacies and Key Skills. Standards 9.1, 9.2, and 9.4 are required for all students; Standard 9.3 applies to students completing approved CTE Programs of Study.

At the local level, many New Jersey districts — including Montgomery Township, Princeton, Westfield, Cherry Hill, and Ridgewood — have developed their own Portrait of a Graduate documents. Across districts, two attribute clusters appear repeatedly: self-directed learners and innovators and collaborative communicators and ethical citizens. Together, the four NJSLS-CLKS standards and these local PoG attributes form a six-cluster framework. Renzulli Learning is the K-12 platform that both measures and develops the durable skills behind every cluster:

Standard 9.1
Personal Financial Literacy
Renzulli durable skills: Critical thinking + executive function + self-direction
Measure: Executive Function Assessment + Profiler
Develop: 40,000+ Enrichment Database + Personal Success Plan
Required for ALL students; informed personal finance decisions; supports the 2.5-credit Financial, Economic Business, Entrepreneurial Business Literacy graduation requirement and the FAFSA/NJAFAA requirement
Standard 9.2
Career Awareness, Exploration, Preparation, and Training
Renzulli durable skills: Self-direction + critical thinking + leadership
Measure: Profiler in 20+ languages + Leadership Assessment
Develop: Personal Success Plan + Project-Based Learning
Required for ALL students; knowledge of interests, talents, postsecondary and career options, career planning, career requirements; revised in the 2020 NJSLS-CLKS
Standard 9.3
Career and Technical Education
Renzulli durable skills: All seven
Measure: All four Renzulli assessments
Develop: Project-Based Learning + Personal Success Plan + CTSO-aligned projects
For students completing an approved CTE Program of Study; integrates the 16 National Career Clusters under Perkins V; supports Work-Based Learning placements and the seven NJ CTSOs
Standard 9.4
Life Literacies and Key Skills
Renzulli durable skills: Critical thinking + creativity + collaboration + communication
Measure: Cebeci Test of Creativity (US Patent 12,087,176) + Leadership Assessment
Develop: Project-Based Learning + 40,000+ Enrichment Database
Required for ALL students; NEW in 2020 revision; critical thinking, global and cultural awareness, technology literacy for an interconnected global economy
Local PoG
Self-Directed Learners & Innovators
Renzulli durable skills: Self-direction + executive function + creativity
Measure: Profiler + Executive Function Assessment + Cebeci Test of Creativity
Develop: Personal Success Plan year-round goal cycles + Project-Based Learning
Common across NJ local-district PoGs; understand strengths, set goals, persist through challenges, generate novel solutions
Local PoG
Collaborative Communicators & Ethical Citizens
Renzulli durable skills: Collaboration + communication + leadership
Measure: Leadership Assessment
Develop: Group Project-Based Learning + Project presentations & portfolios
Common across NJ local-district PoGs; engage respectfully across diverse audiences; act ethically in community and global contexts
Each NJSLS-CLKS standard and local-PoG attribute cluster is a durable-skills cluster Renzulli Learning measures and develops. New Jersey districts can build NJSLS-CLKS-aligned durable-skills evidence today — supporting the 120-credit graduation requirement, the NJGPA assessment pathway, the FAFSA/NJAFAA requirement, CTE concentrator progression, Work-Based Learning placements, Individual Learning Plan goals, and CTSO membership in parallel. Districts with their own local Portrait of a Graduate get attribute-aligned evidence at the district level while supporting NJDOE’s NJSLS-CLKS framework. Turning New Jersey’s Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills standards from policy language into documented practice across the K-12 continuum.
New Jersey’s framework

How the Seven Durable Skills Map to New Jersey’s Career Readiness Framework

New Jersey’s career readiness framework is led by the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and the NJDOE Office of Career Readiness, in partnership with the New Jersey State Board of Education. Governor Mikie Sherrill, sworn in January 20, 2026 as the state’s 57th governor, has named education a top priority alongside Lieutenant Governor Dale G. Caldwell; Lily Laux was nominated as Education Commissioner in January 2026. The framework is grounded in N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1 for graduation requirements, the 2020 NJSLS-CLKS for career readiness standards, and the federal Perkins V act for CTE Programs of Study.

The framework includes the four NJSLS-CLKS standards, the 120-credit graduation requirement (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1), the NJ Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA), the FAFSA/NJAFAA requirement (classes 2025-2027), CTE Programs of Study under Perkins V, Work-Based Learning (formerly Structured Learning Experience), Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), and ESSA accountability with two graduation rate versions (federal and state). Each component pairs with the Renzulli instruments and content that measure and develop the durable skills behind it:

NJSLS-CLKS
Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills (4 standards)
Durable skills: All seven
Measure: All four Renzulli assessments
Develop: All Renzulli development tools
9.1 Personal Financial Literacy, 9.2 Career Awareness, 9.3 CTE, 9.4 Life Literacies and Key Skills (NEW in 2020); 9.1, 9.2, 9.4 required for ALL students
120 Credits
Graduation Requirements (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1)
Durable skills: Critical thinking + executive function + self-direction
Measure: Executive Function Assessment + Cebeci Test of Creativity
Develop: 40,000+ Enrichment Database + PBL
120 credits min: 20 ELA, 15 math, 15 science (incl. Biology), 15 social studies (incl. 10 US History), 5 world lang, 2.5 financial literacy, 15 PE/health, 5 arts, 5 21st Century Life and Careers/CTE
NJGPA
NJ Graduation Proficiency Assessment
Durable skills: Critical thinking + executive function + self-direction
Measure: Executive Function Assessment
Develop: 40,000+ Enrichment Database + PBL + PSP
Grade 11; content aligned to grade 10 NJSLS in ELA + NJSLS in Algebra 1/Geometry; 3 pathways (NJGPA, substitute test, portfolio appeal); class of 2026 reqs adopted Oct 8, 2025
FAFSA/NJAFAA
Financial Aid Application Requirement
Durable skills: Self-direction + critical thinking
Measure: Profiler + Executive Function Assessment
Develop: Personal Success Plan + Enrichment Database
Classes of 2025-2027: required to complete FAFSA OR NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application; enables Pell grants, work-study, loans, state and college aid
CTE + WBL
CTE Programs of Study + Work-Based Learning
Durable skills: All seven
Measure: All four Renzulli assessments
Develop: Project-Based Learning + Personal Success Plan
Approved CTE Programs of Study under Perkins V; 16 National Career Clusters; 21 County Vocational-Technical School Districts; WBL (formerly SLE)
ILP
Individual Learning Plan (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-6.6)
Durable skills: Self-direction + executive function + leadership
Measure: Profiler + Executive Function Assessment
Develop: Personal Success Plan + Project-Based Learning
Bridge Year ILP requirements and goal alignment for transition planning; aligns to NJSLS-CLKS practices and habits of mind
7 NJ CTSOs
Career and Technical Student Organizations
Durable skills: Leadership + collaboration + communication
Measure: Leadership Assessment
Develop: Project-Based Learning + Personal Success Plan
7 NJ CTSOs: DECA, FBLA-PBL, FFA, FCCLA, HOSA, TSA, SkillsUSA; programs/competitions reflect approved CTE program standards; advisory committees with 50% business/industry recommended
Real challenges

What New Jersey Curriculum Directors & Career Readiness Coordinators Struggle With

These are the durable-skills-and-career-readiness challenges we consistently hear from New Jersey district leaders, school counselors, CTE coordinators, and Individual Learning Plan coordinators — especially as the FAFSA/NJAFAA requirement rolls forward through the class of 2027 and the new class of 2026 graduation assessment requirements take effect:

Operationalizing the four NJSLS-CLKS standards across all of K-12

The 2020 NJSLS-CLKS comprises four standards (9.1 Personal Financial Literacy, 9.2 Career Awareness/Exploration/Preparation/Training, 9.3 CTE, 9.4 Life Literacies and Key Skills), with 9.1, 9.2, and 9.4 required for ALL students. NJDOE explicitly designed standards 9.2 and 9.4 to be integrated together and across content areas. Districts often struggle to make the NJSLS-CLKS practices — the “habits of the mind” NJDOE describes — a year-round, evidence-driven part of every classroom rather than a once-per-grade-band content unit. Counselors and curriculum directors need year-round interest, learning-style, executive function, and creativity tools that map cleanly to the NJSLS-CLKS practices and produce auditable, exportable evidence.

Documenting durable-skills evidence for the new class of 2026 graduation requirements

The class of 2026 graduation assessment requirements were adopted by the State Board of Education on October 8, 2025 and went into effect with publication in the New Jersey Register on November 3, 2025. With the NJGPA continuing as the primary pathway and substitute competency tests and portfolio appeals as alternatives, districts need standardized durable-skills evidence to complement assessment scores — especially for students whose pathways emphasize CTE concentrator status, Work-Based Learning placements, or apprenticeship enrollment over traditional four-year college enrollment.

Producing FAFSA/NJAFAA-ready postsecondary planning artifacts

Beginning with the class of 2025, New Jersey law requires every student to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA) as a graduation requirement — in effect through the class of 2027. Counselors need turnkey tools to help students identify postsecondary options aligned with their interests, learning styles, and career goals before they complete the FAFSA — and tools that produce documentation tying NJSLS-CLKS Standard 9.1 (Personal Financial Literacy) and Standard 9.2 (Career Awareness) to each student’s individual postsecondary decision.

Connecting students to the seven New Jersey CTSOs across comprehensive and CTE schools

New Jersey recognizes seven official Career and Technical Student Organizations: DECA, FBLA-PBL, FFA, FCCLA, HOSA, TSA, and SkillsUSA. CTSOs operate in both comprehensive high schools and the 21 County Vocational-Technical School Districts. Per the Carl D. Perkins Act of 2006, CTSOs are integral to CTE instructional programs — not extracurricular add-ons. Counselors need year-round interest, learning-style, and strength data to guide informed CTSO selection at scale — and to connect CTSO competition artifacts to NJSLS-CLKS Standard 9.3 evidence and CTE concentrator progression.

Scaling durable-skills evidence across the 21 County Vocational-Technical School Districts and comprehensive CTE programs

New Jersey’s 21 County Vocational-Technical School Districts run alongside comprehensive high school CTE programs to deliver approved CTE Programs of Study across the 16 National Career Clusters under Perkins V. Districts implementing CTE need durable-skills tools that produce auditable evidence alongside technical-skills evidence for both Perkins V concentrator reporting and the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) cycle. The transition from NJ SMART to NJSLEDS (effective September 2, 2025) adds reporting complexity that exportable durable-skills evidence helps simplify.

The platform

Eight Renzulli Learning Tools That Measure and Develop New Jersey’s Durable Skills

Each tool produces evidence aligned to the four NJSLS-CLKS standards, the 120-credit graduation requirement, the NJGPA pathway, the FAFSA/NJAFAA requirement, CTE Programs of Study under Perkins V, Work-Based Learning, Individual Learning Plans, and the seven New Jersey CTSOs:

Renzulli Profiler: A strength-based student self-assessment in 20+ languages capturing each student’s interests, learning styles, and expression styles. Anchors NJSLS-CLKS Standard 9.2 Career Awareness, Exploration, Preparation, and Training; supports CTE pathway selection and FAFSA-driven postsecondary decision-making.
Cebeci Test of Creativity (CTC): A standardized creativity assessment (US Patent 12,087,176) producing reliable evidence of growth. Critical for NJSLS-CLKS Standard 9.4 Life Literacies and Key Skills (creativity), NJGPA portfolio appeals, and local-district Portrait of a Graduate creativity competencies.
Executive Function Assessment: Measures planning, organization, working memory, and self-regulation. Surfaces students who need scaffolding to persist through 120-credit graduation requirements, NJGPA preparation, and CTE concentrator progression.
Leadership Assessment: Measures the durable skills of leadership, collaboration, communication, and work ethic. Aligns directly with every New Jersey Career and Technical Student Organization: DECA, FBLA-PBL, FFA, FCCLA, HOSA, TSA, and SkillsUSA.
Personal Success Plan (PSP): Goal-setting, reflection, and exportable evidence-of-growth summaries mapped directly to the NJSLS-CLKS standards and Individual Learning Plan goals. Documents progression year by year — the auditable backbone of NJ counseling artifacts and CTE concentrator records for Perkins V reporting.
Project-Based Learning Tools: Structured project frameworks producing artifacts for NJGPA portfolio appeals, CTE program portfolios, Work-Based Learning evidence, FAFSA-supporting postsecondary planning, and CTSO competition entries. Builds collaboration, communication, and creativity through authentic work.
Renzulli Enrichment Database: 40,000+ curated, standards-aligned activities across humanities, STEM, financial literacy, and the arts. Supports the 120-credit graduation requirement under N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1, including the 2.5-credit Financial, Economic Business, and Entrepreneurial Business Literacy requirement (NJSLS-CLKS Standard 9.1).
21st-Century & Durable Skills Framework: Maps the seven durable skills across the four NJSLS-CLKS standards, the 120-credit graduation requirement, the NJGPA pathway, and New Jersey local-district Portrait of a Graduate competencies. The connective tissue between policy language and classroom practice.
Alignment, line by line

New Jersey Career Readiness Components ↔ Renzulli Learning Tools

For each major New Jersey career readiness component, here is the durable-skills cluster behind it and the specific Renzulli tools that measure and develop those skills:

NJSLS-CLKS
NJSLS-CLKS — The Four Standards

The 2020 New Jersey Student Learning Standards — Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills include four standards: 9.1 Personal Financial Literacy; 9.2 Career Awareness, Exploration, Preparation, and Training; 9.3 Career and Technical Education; and 9.4 Life Literacies and Key Skills. Standards 9.1, 9.2, and 9.4 are required for all students; 9.3 is for students completing approved CTE Programs of Study. NJDOE describes the CLKS Practices as habits of the mind linked to college, career, and life success. Reflects Partnership for 21st Century Skills, Council for Economic Education, JumpStart Coalition, National Financial Educators Council, and Asia Society frameworks.

Durable skills + Renzulli tools
All seven durable skills
  • 9.1 Personal Financial Literacy → 40,000+ Enrichment Database + Personal Success Plan
  • 9.2 Career Awareness → Profiler in 20+ languages + Personal Success Plan
  • 9.3 CTE → Project-Based Learning + Leadership Assessment + PSP
  • 9.4 Life Literacies and Key Skills → Cebeci Test of Creativity + Executive Function Assessment
  • PSP generates exportable evidence across all four NJSLS-CLKS standards
120 Credits
120-Credit Graduation Requirement (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1)

New Jersey requires a minimum of 120 credits for high school graduation: 20 credits ELA, 15 credits Math (Algebra I, Geometry, third year), 15 credits Science (incl. Biology + lab/inquiry-based), 15 credits Social Studies (incl. 10 credits US History), 5 credits World Languages, 2.5 credits Financial, Economic Business, and Entrepreneurial Business Literacy, 15 credits Physical Education and Health (3.75 credits/year), 5 credits Visual and Performing Arts, and 5 credits 21st Century Life and Careers / CTE — the 9.x standards requirement. Some districts (e.g., Newark) require 130 credits.

Durable skills + Renzulli tools
Critical thinkingExecutive functionSelf-direction
  • 40,000+ Enrichment Database supports humanities, STEM, financial literacy, and arts coursework
  • Project-Based Learning generates 21st Century Life and Careers / CTE artifacts
  • Executive Function Assessment develops persistence behind 120-credit completion
  • PSP documents progression year by year across all credit categories
  • Profiler informs course selection for the 22.5 elective credits
NJGPA
NJ Graduation Proficiency Assessment

The NJGPA is administered in grade 11 with content aligned to the grade 10 NJSLS in ELA and the NJSLS in Algebra 1 and Geometry. The class of 2023 was a field test only (P.L.2022, c.60). Classes of 2024-2025 use three pathways: passing the NJGPA, substitute competency tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT, ACCUPLACER), or portfolio appeal. Cut scores were approved by the State Board on May 3, 2023. The class of 2026 graduation assessment requirements were adopted October 8, 2025 and went into effect with NJ Register publication November 3, 2025.

Durable skills + Renzulli tools
Critical thinkingExecutive functionSelf-direction
  • Executive Function Assessment develops planning, working memory, self-regulation behind sustained NJGPA preparation
  • 40,000+ Enrichment Database + PBL develop content depth driving proficiency
  • Cebeci Test of Creativity measures the durable skills behind portfolio appeal artifacts
  • PSP documents NJGPA progression and pathway selection
  • Profiler informs intentional course-taking aligned to NJGPA content
FAFSA
FAFSA / NJAFAA Graduation Requirement (Classes 2025-2027)

Beginning with the class of 2025 through the class of 2027, every New Jersey student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA) as a graduation requirement. The FAFSA enables access to the largest source of financial aid for college, vocational school, and apprenticeship programs — including federal Pell grants, work-study programs, and loans. Many states, colleges, and private aid providers also use FAFSA information to determine aid eligibility.

Durable skills + Renzulli tools
Self-directionCritical thinking
  • Profiler in 20+ languages identifies postsecondary options aligned to interests and strengths
  • Personal Success Plan documents postsecondary decision-making aligned to NJSLS-CLKS Standard 9.2
  • 40,000+ Enrichment Database supports the 2.5-credit Financial, Economic Business, Entrepreneurial Business Literacy graduation requirement
  • Executive Function Assessment develops self-direction behind sustained postsecondary planning
  • PBL produces career exploration artifacts that inform FAFSA-driven decisions
CTE + WBL
CTE Programs of Study + Work-Based Learning

New Jersey’s CTE Programs of Study, approved under federal Perkins V, span the 16 National Career Clusters. NJ operates 21 County Vocational-Technical School Districts alongside comprehensive high school CTE programs. Work-Based Learning (WBL) — formerly Structured Learning Experience (SLE) — is supported through the NJDOE state WBL handbook for high-quality programs. CTE concentrator status drives Perkins V reporting and the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) cycle.

Durable skills + Renzulli tools
All seven durable skills
  • Profiler matches students to CTE pathways and WBL placements
  • Executive Function Assessment develops concentrator persistence
  • Cebeci Test of Creativity measures creativity behind technical innovation
  • Leadership Assessment supports WBL placement and supervisor feedback
  • PSP documents CTE concentrator status for Perkins V reporting
ILP
Individual Learning Plan (N.J.A.C. 6A:8-6.6)

New Jersey’s Individual Learning Plan (ILP) is administered under N.J.A.C. 6A:8-6.6, with Bridge Year ILP requirements and goal alignment for transition planning. ILPs document each student’s academic and career planning goals, course-taking decisions, postsecondary intentions, and progression toward the 120-credit graduation requirement. ILPs naturally pair with NJSLS-CLKS Standards 9.1, 9.2, and 9.4 (required for all students) and create the structure for the FAFSA/NJAFAA requirement and postsecondary readiness.

Durable skills + Renzulli tools
Self-directionExecutive functionLeadership
  • Profiler in 20+ languages surfaces interests and strengths for ILP career goals
  • Personal Success Plan generates exportable summaries that map directly to ILP domains
  • Executive Function Assessment develops planning, working memory, self-regulation behind ILP execution
  • Leadership Assessment supports ILP collaborative goal-setting
  • PBL produces ILP-aligned artifacts and progression evidence
ESSA + 7 CTSOs
ESSA Accountability + 7 New Jersey CTSOs

New Jersey’s ESSA accountability system includes 4-year and 5-year graduation rates as indicators. NJDOE calculates two versions: a federal version (ESSA-aligned) and a state version reflecting all students who receive a state-endorsed diploma. Beginning September 2, 2025, all data submissions transitioned from NJ SMART to NJSLEDS. New Jersey recognizes 7 official CTSOs: DECA, FBLA-PBL, FFA, FCCLA, HOSA, TSA, and SkillsUSA. The Perkins Act of 2006 defines CTSOs as integral to CTE instructional programs.

Durable skills + Renzulli tools
LeadershipCollaborationCommunicationSelf-direction
  • Executive Function Assessment develops persistence behind on-time graduation (ESSA 4-year rate)
  • 40,000+ Enrichment Database + PBL develop content depth and engagement reducing dropout risk
  • Leadership Assessment measures the durable skills behind every NJ CTSO
  • PBL produces CTSO competition-aligned artifacts
  • PSP documents CTSO progression as part of NJSLS-CLKS Standard 9.3 evidence
From New Jersey educators

What Implementation Looks Like in New Jersey Districts

“New Jersey’s career readiness framework lives across multiple statutes and systems — N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1 graduation requirements, the 2020 NJSLS-CLKS standards, the NJGPA assessment pathway, the FAFSA/NJAFAA requirement, CTE Programs of Study under Perkins V, Work-Based Learning, Individual Learning Plans, ESSA accountability, and our seven CTSOs. With Renzulli’s Profiler in 20+ languages anchoring NJSLS-CLKS Standard 9.2 Career Awareness, the Cebeci Test of Creativity producing standardized creativity evidence aligned to Standard 9.4 Life Literacies and Key Skills, the Executive Function Assessment showing us which students need scaffolding to persist through the 120-credit requirement and NJGPA preparation, the Leadership Assessment measuring the durable skills behind our seven New Jersey CTSOs, the Personal Success Plan generating exportable summaries mapped directly to all four NJSLS-CLKS standards and ILP goals, and Project-Based Learning generating WBL artifacts and CTSO competition entries, we have one durable-skills evidence layer that supports the NJSLS-CLKS framework, the NJGPA pathway, the FAFSA/NJAFAA requirement, and CTE concentrator reporting — all without adding to our compliance burden.”
Curriculum Director · New Jersey public school district
FAQs

New Jersey Career Readiness & Renzulli Learning — Frequently Asked Questions

What is New Jersey’s career readiness framework, and how does Renzulli Learning align with it?
New Jersey does not maintain a single statewide Portrait of a Graduate; instead, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) anchors career readiness on the 2020 NJSLS-CLKS (Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills), comprising four standards: 9.1 Personal Financial Literacy, 9.2 Career Awareness, Exploration, Preparation, and Training, 9.3 Career and Technical Education, and 9.4 Life Literacies and Key Skills. Standards 9.1, 9.2, and 9.4 are required for all students; 9.3 applies to students completing approved CTE Programs of Study. Renzulli Learning measures and develops the durable skills behind every standard. The Cebeci Test of Creativity (US Patent 12,087,176), Executive Function Assessment, Leadership Assessment, and Profiler in 20+ languages produce evidence; the Personal Success Plan, Project-Based Learning, and 40,000+ Enrichment Database develop the underlying skills. Many NJ districts also operate their own local Portraits of a Graduate; Renzulli’s tools generate Portrait-aligned evidence at the district level while supporting NJDOE’s NJSLS-CLKS framework, the 120-credit graduation requirement under N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1, and the FAFSA/NJAFAA requirement.
What are New Jersey’s high school graduation requirements, and how does Renzulli Learning support them?
Per N.J.A.C. 6A:8-5.1, New Jersey requires a minimum of 120 credits: 20 credits ELA; 15 credits Math (Algebra I, Geometry, plus a third year building on those); 15 credits Science (including Biology and lab/inquiry-based courses); 15 credits Social Studies (including 10 credits US History and World History); 5 credits World Languages; 2.5 credits Financial, Economic Business, and Entrepreneurial Business Literacy; 15 credits Physical Education and Health (3.75 credits/year); 5 credits Visual and Performing Arts; 5 credits 21st Century Life and Careers / CTE (the 9.x standards requirement); and approximately 22.5 elective credits. Some districts such as Newark require 130 credits. Beginning with the classes of 2025-2027, students must also complete the FAFSA or NJAFAA. Renzulli’s 40,000+ Enrichment Database supports humanities, STEM, financial literacy, and arts coursework; Project-Based Learning produces 21st Century Life and Careers credit artifacts; and the Personal Success Plan documents progression year by year.
What are the four NJSLS-CLKS standards (9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4) and how does Renzulli Learning map to them?
The 2020 NJSLS-CLKS comprises four standards. Standard 9.1 Personal Financial Literacy outlines fiscal knowledge, habits, and skills for informed personal finance decisions — supported by Renzulli’s 40,000+ Enrichment Database and Personal Success Plan. Standard 9.2 Career Awareness, Exploration, Preparation, and Training emphasizes knowledge of one’s interests and talents, postsecondary and career options, and career planning — anchored by the Renzulli Profiler in 20+ languages. Standard 9.3 Career and Technical Education applies to students completing an approved CTE Program of Study — supported by Project-Based Learning, the Leadership Assessment, and the Personal Success Plan. Standard 9.4 Life Literacies and Key Skills (NEW in 2020) outlines critical thinking, global and cultural awareness, and technology literacy — measured by the Cebeci Test of Creativity (US Patent 12,087,176) and the Executive Function Assessment. NJDOE explicitly designed standards 9.2 and 9.4 to be integrated together across content areas. The Career Readiness, Life Literacies, and Key Skills Practices are described by NJDOE as habits of mind linked to college, career, and life success.
What is the NJ Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA), and how does Renzulli Learning support it?
The NJ Graduation Proficiency Assessment (NJGPA) is administered in grade 11 with content aligned to the grade 10 NJSLS in ELA and the NJSLS in Algebra 1 and Geometry. The class of 2023 was a field test only with no graduation assessment requirement (P.L.2022, c.60 / A-3196/S-2349 signed July 5, 2022). For the classes of 2024-2025, students must demonstrate proficiency via three pathways: passing the NJGPA in grade 11; meeting designated cut scores on substitute competency tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT, ACCUPLACER); or submitting a portfolio appeal through the district to NJDOE. Cut scores were approved by the State Board of Education on May 3, 2023. The class of 2026 graduation assessment requirements were adopted by the State Board on October 8, 2025 and went into effect with publication in the New Jersey Register on November 3, 2025. Renzulli’s Executive Function Assessment develops planning, working memory, and self-regulation behind sustained NJGPA preparation; the 40,000+ Enrichment Database and Project-Based Learning develop content depth driving proficiency; and the Personal Success Plan documents progression and pathway selection.
What is the FAFSA / NJAFAA graduation requirement, and how does Renzulli Learning support it?
Beginning with the class of 2025 and continuing through the class of 2027, New Jersey law requires every student to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (NJAFAA) as a graduation requirement. FAFSA completion enables access to federal Pell grants, work-study programs, and loans, plus state and college aid. The NJAFAA provides an alternate pathway for students who cannot complete the FAFSA. Renzulli’s Profiler in 20+ languages and Personal Success Plan support students in identifying postsecondary options aligned with their interests, learning styles, and expression styles before they complete the FAFSA. The 40,000+ Enrichment Database supports the 2.5-credit Financial, Economic Business, and Entrepreneurial Business Literacy graduation requirement — NJSLS-CLKS Standard 9.1 — that complements FAFSA completion. The Executive Function Assessment develops self-direction behind sustained postsecondary planning.
How does Renzulli Learning support New Jersey’s CTE Programs of Study and Work-Based Learning?
New Jersey’s CTE Programs of Study, approved under federal Perkins V, span the 16 National Career Clusters. New Jersey operates 21 County Vocational-Technical School Districts alongside comprehensive high school CTE programs. Work-Based Learning (WBL) — formerly known as Structured Learning Experience (SLE) — is supported through the NJDOE state WBL page and handbook for high-quality programs. Renzulli’s Profiler matches students to CTE pathways and WBL placements aligned with their interests; the Cebeci Test of Creativity (US Patent 12,087,176), Executive Function Assessment, and Leadership Assessment measure the durable skills behind successful CTE concentrator progression and WBL supervisor feedback; Project-Based Learning generates WBL artifacts; and the Personal Success Plan documents CTE concentrator status — evidence districts can attach to Perkins V reporting and the Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) cycle.
What is the NJDOE Office of Career Readiness?
The NJDOE Office of Career Readiness is the state leadership hub for Career Readiness, Life Literacies and Key Skills (CLKS) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiatives. It oversees the four NJSLS-CLKS standards, the approved CTE Programs of Study under Perkins V, the Work-Based Learning handbook, and statewide CTSO recognition. The Office of Career Readiness operates under the NJDOE Divisions and Offices structure. Renzulli Learning complements the Office of Career Readiness by providing standardized, exportable durable-skills evidence that supports every NJSLS-CLKS standard and pairs with Perkins V concentrator reporting. The Personal Success Plan, Profiler, and Project-Based Learning tools generate the kind of year-round evidence that complements the Office of Career Readiness’ statewide initiatives.
Which Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are active in New Jersey?
New Jersey recognizes seven official Career and Technical Student Organizations: DECA (marketing education students); FBLA-PBL (Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda; business education students); FFA (agricultural education students); FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America; family and consumer sciences students); HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America; health occupations education); TSA (Technology Student Association; technology education students); and SkillsUSA (trade and industrial education students). Per the NJ CTSO policy, programs and competitive events must reflect current standards and competencies for the approved CTE programs they serve. Each CTSO maintains a state advisory committee with 50% business and industry membership recommended. The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 defines CTSOs as organizations for individuals enrolled in a career and technical education program — integral to CTE instructional programs, not extracurricular add-ons. Leadership, collaboration, and communication are the durable skills behind every NJ CTSO. Renzulli’s Leadership Assessment measures these directly. Project-Based Learning produces competition-aligned artifacts. The Personal Success Plan documents CTSO progression year by year.
How does New Jersey’s ESSA accountability system work, and how does Renzulli Learning help?
New Jersey’s ESSA accountability system includes 4-year and 5-year graduation rates as indicators. NJ introduced the adjusted cohort graduation rate calculation in 2011 to align with federal requirements. Beginning with 2021 graduation rates, NJDOE calculates two versions of the adjusted cohort graduation rate: a federal version aligned with ESSA requirements (used for federal reporting and ESSA school accountability) and a state version reflecting all students who receive a state-endorsed diploma. The 2025 ESSA Profiles use Cohort 2024 four-year, Cohort 2023 five-year, and Cohort 2022 six-year rates. Beginning September 2, 2025, all data submissions transitioned from NJ SMART to the New Jersey Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System (NJSLEDS). Phase 1 NJSLEDS operates at approximately $8.3M annually vs. NJ SMART’s $9M. Renzulli’s Executive Function Assessment surfaces students who need scaffolding to persist through 120-credit completion (impacting graduation rate indicators); the Personal Success Plan documents postsecondary readiness preparation; and the 40,000+ Enrichment Database, Project-Based Learning, and Profiler develop the content depth and self-direction driving on-time graduation.
Official sources

New Jersey Career Readiness Resources

All compliance decisions should reference these primary New Jersey sources. Renzulli Learning complements — not replaces — NJDOE’s NJSLS-CLKS framework, graduation requirements, the NJGPA, the FAFSA/NJAFAA requirement, CTE Programs of Study, Work-Based Learning, Individual Learning Plans, ESSA accountability, and the seven New Jersey CTSOs.

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