This paper provides information about New Jersey's High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA). The purpose of the exam is to: (1) Determine prospective high school graduates' mastery of selected content and overview foundation skills in math and literacy; (2) Encourage districts and schools to identify and serve students at risk of academic failure; (3) Provide data to state policymakers on student attainment of state education goals to inform educational policy decisions; (4) Provide schools with student academic diagnostic information; (5) Increase alignment of local curriculum and programs of instruction with state education standards; (6) Promote equity of opportunity across all student groups; (7) Meet a state mandate; (8) Satisfy high school graduation requirements; and (9) Serve federal accountability requirements. [For the main report, "State High School Tests: Exit Exams and Other Assessments", see ED514155.]