• Grades 3-8 State Testing Informational Letter

     

    Dear Families:

    Dear Families:

     

    In March and April children in grades 3-8 across New York State will be taking standardized tests in Mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA).  Testing dates for CRS will be as follows: 

     

    • ELA -  April 19, 2023- April 20, 2023 

    • Math -  May 2, 2023- May 3, 2023 

     

    The decision to give these assessments was made at the Federal level despite concerns raised by districts across the state as well as by the New York State Education Department.  The tests will maintain the following features:

     

    • Two assessment sessions, which will include both multiple choice, short responses and extended response questions

    • The 3rd grade ELA exam no longer has an extended constructed response. There is a decrease of  short responses on session 2. Short responses have also been added to session 1. 

    • The 4th grade ELA exam decreased in the amount of short constructed responses on session 2. Short responses have also been added to session 1. 

    • The 3rd grade Math exam no longer has an extended constructed response and has decreased in multiple choice. Short responses have been added to session 2. 

    • The 4th grade Math exam no longer has an extended constructed response and has decreased in multiple choice. And additional short responses have been added to session 2. 

    • The assessments remain untimed. The average time to complete the exams ranges from 60-80 minutes for the ELA Assessments, and 55-75 minutes for the Math Assessments.

    • The state will be embedding field test questions and passages in the design of the test. Field test questions do not count toward a student’s score. 

    • For additional information, please visit http://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/parent-resources

    Standardized testing provides districts with important data that we use to ensure that our ELA and Mathematics curriculum is, and continues to be, of the highest quality.  A review of our data allows us to look at student performance as individuals, as a cohort, as a school, and as a district. This year, these assessments will be one measure among several that will help teachers adjust curriculum in the fall to address any impact from this year’s instruction. In addition, standardized testing results can be used as one of the multiple measures to help determine a student’s eligibility to receive AIS services (Academic Intervention Services). We believe that our children are well-positioned to take these assessments and that the information provided will help our teachers support all students in the fall. 

     

    We hope that you will have your child participate in the ELA and Mathematics assessments this spring.  If you have any questions about State assessments, their use, and the impact of refusals, please feel free to give me a call at 914-231-0800.  Please click the link to access the 2022-2023 State Testing Refusal Notice.

     

    Sincerely,

    Jennifer Darling