The New York State tests for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will begin in early April.
Here is some information on this year’s tests.
The change with the biggest impact to our students is that the tests are no longer timed. Every child can take as long as he or she needs to complete the test. The number of test questions has been reduced slightly. There will be one less reading passage and a few less questions the ELA and fewer questions on the Math portion of the test, though many argue that the tests are still too long. Lastly, the Board of Regents has hired a new company to create the test Questar and has consulted with more educators during the development process. Read the full brief from the NYS Education Department here.
What impact does the test have on your child’s middle school admission? Click here to a survey from District 15 schools from last year courtesy of the Brooklyn New School. Be sure to contact schools you are interested in directly to be certain you know their current admissions policies.
Want to see sample questions from past years? Click here.
Want to know more about opting out? The Brooklyn New School is hosting an information session at BAX Sunday 3/6 @ 2pm @ BAX, 421 Fifth Ave, Brooklyn – Conversation on Testing (Spanish translation and childcare available). Also check out the BNS Parent Action Committee blog for links to more information and sample “opt out” letters.