A message about testing from Interim Superintendent Jody Monroe
Dear Parents:
As spring approaches, so does testing season. The spring 2016 testing schedule for students in grades 3-8 is as follows:
- New York State grades 3-8 English language arts (ELA) exam: April 5-7
- New York State grades 3-8 math exam: April 13-15
This will be the fourth year that New York students take assessments aligned to the state’s new learning standards. In recent weeks, the New York State Education Department announced some adjustments to the tests in response to concerns from parents and educators after last year’s state exams.
Some of the changes are to the tests themselves and will impact the testing experience for students. There will be fewer questions on both tests and students will be given as much time as they need to complete them.
Other changes have more to do with the test development and administration, as well the use of the test results. The state has informed us that more New York educators were involved in the test development process. The state has also put a hold on using the grades 3-8 ELA/math test scores for teacher/principal accountability purposes.
In addition, this will be the first year that computer-based grades 3-8 ELA/math exams will be piloted in some districts, which state leaders say will eventually lead to reduced testing time and faster results.
Please visit this webpage more information on the announced changes to the state exams. State officials have said that more changes are on the horizon for future assessments.
As this year’s assessments approach, please keep in mind that no single test provides a complete picture of your child’s abilities. But when combined with grades, classroom activities, and unit quizzes and tests, annual assessments can provide important information about a student’s progress. State assessments also provide valuable information about the performance of your school and district.
As always, we encourage our students to do their very best on everything they do in school. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at jmonroe@bcsd.neric.org or by phone at 439-7098.
Sincerely,
Jody Monroe
Interim Superintendent of Schools