Grades 3-8 NYS Testing Information for Families

Dear Goldback Families,

In the coming weeks, our schools will administer the NYS Testing programs Grades 3-8 Assessments in English Language Arts (March 29 & 30th)  Mathematics (April 26th & 27th) and Science (grades 4 & 8, Performance Test, May 24th - Jun 3rd; Written Test June 6th) These annual ELA, Math and Science assessments for students in grades 3-8 are required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). 

The Grades 3-8 ELA and Math assessments consist of two testing sessions each.  This means that students will take each subject test over two testing days. Day one is a multiple choice format, day two is a short answer response format.  The Grade 4 & 8 Science assessment is also given in two sessions; part one is a hands-on performance test, day two is a multiple choice format.

These tests are untimed.  As long as students are working productively, they will have as much time as they need to complete each test session, within the confines of the regular school day.

The results of these assessments help the district to determine:

• which NYS standards students are mastering and which standards continue to present challenges
• which student groups are in need of additional supports
• which instructional strategies are meeting with success and what instructional approaches need improvement
• where to target additional resources
• where professional development is most needed

The assessments also help students by providing them an experience to become accustomed to sitting for long assessments, such as Regents and College Entrance Exams, helping to develop both the patience and perseverance needed to ensure success on such exams.

These tests are not connected to any teacher or administrator evaluations.

We strongly encourage all students to participate in the New York State Assessments and will provide whatever support  is needed to ensure their success.

If you have any questions at all, please contact the Office of Curriculum and Instruction.

Respectfully,

Andrea Moriarty, Assistant Supreintendent Elementary Curriculum and Instruction

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!