Posted on by john.noetzel

Information about upcoming grade 3-8 NYS assessments

We wanted to share some updates about the New York State grades 3-8 English Language Arts and Math, and other assessments scheduled for this spring. These tests are typically held every school year, but they were not given in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year only, unless a federal waiver is granted before the test dates or circumstances change due to COVID, we will administer a condensed version of the 3-8 assessments. Testing will be slightly different, so we wanted to share with you some key points about these tests.

The New York State Board of Regents has given our school district flexibility in when and how to administer the tests. One session of each exam will be given in-person only this year and/or reduced to one book.

Students who are fully remote will not be required to come into school for the tests, however, if you’d like your ROL student to take the exams please notify your child’s school no later than April 14.

Parents also have the option of opting their students out of the exams this year. If you’d like to opt your student out, please notify your school in writing no later than April 14.

It’s important that we know your child’s intentions of taking or not taking the exams as we work out a plan for safely administering testing continuing to follow CDC health and safety guidelines during COVID-19.

Elementary School Testing Schedule (Grades 3-5)

  • April 21, 2021: ELA assessments will be administered for Grades 3,4,5
  • May 5, 2021: Math assessments will be administered for Grades 3,4,5
  • June 9, 2021: Science Written assessment will be administered for Grades 4 only
  • NYSESLAT: For ENL students the administration of the Speaking session begins on April 19 – May 17 and the testing window for the Listening/Writing/Reading sessions is May 17- June 9, 2021. If you indicate that you would like your student to participate in the NYSESLAT administration, your student’s ENL teacher will contact you with further scheduling details.
  • Students opting to take the assessments will attend school in person for a full day (9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) on these testing dates.
  • The exams are being administered on Wednesdays so all other general education UPK-5 students not taking the exams will learn remotely those two days.

Middle School (LLA) Testing Schedule (Grades 6-8)

ELA Exam

  • Purple/Everyday Students: Tuesday, April 20, Periods 1-4
  • Gold Students: Thursday, April 22, Periods 1-4
  • Remote Only Learners: Will be scheduled as requested by parent/guardian

Math Exam

  • Purple/Everyday Students: Tuesday, May 4, Periods 1-4
  • Gold Students: Thursday, May 6, Periods 1-4
  • Remote Only Learners: Will be scheduled as requested by parent/guardian

Science Exam (Grade 8 Only)

  • Purple/Everyday Students: Tuesday, June 8
  • Gold Students: Thursday, June 10
  • Remote Only Learners: Will be scheduled as requested by parent/guardian

NYSESLAT (ENL Only)

  • Speaking: April 19 – May 17
  • Listening/Writing/ Reading: May 17- June 9

Other LLA Testing Information

  • Students taking the grade 6-8 assessments will attend school for the full day on testing days.  We will test during periods 1-4 and starting period 5 students will follow their schedule.
  • Hybrid and Remote Only Learners not taking the assessments will learn remotely on testing days.  Students are expected to work on i-Ready myPath lessons during periods 1-4.  Students are expected to join google meet for classes starting period 5, as scheduled.

While assessments will be scaled back this year, they remain a valuable tool we use to get an accurate picture of student progress as it relates to their grade-level learning targets.

Thank you for your understanding and please contact your school if you have questions.