April 2023
Dear Parents and Guardians of Students in Grades 3-6,
I hope this letter finds you and your family well. Spring is in the air and so is New York State Testing. As testing season approaches, please be aware that the 3-8 for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics exams will be administered to our children beginning on the dates listed below:
New York State English Language Arts (ELA) Testing:
Grades 5 & 6
Wednesday, April 19th & Thursday, April 20th
Grades 3 & 4
Friday, April 21st & Monday, April 24th
Mathematics Testing:
Grades 5 & 6
Tuesday, May 2nd & Wednesday, May 3rd
Grades 3 & 4
Thursday, 4th & Friday, May 5th
Both the ELA and Math exams contain 2 sessions administered over 2 days. The tests do not consume the entire instructional day. The tests are untimed, estimated to take only approximately 60 minutes.
With the passing of each year, the New York State Education Department continues to receive and respond to feedback provided by teachers and parents regarding the 3-8 Tests. The most recent changes include a new, shorter format to Day 1 and/or Day 2 for the ELA test as outlined below:
- Day 1 will consist of both multiple choice and 2-point constructed response items;
- Day 2 will consist of multiple choice, one 2- point constructed response items, and
- one 4-point extended response item for grades 4-6; Day 2 will only consist of multiple choice and one 2-point constructed response item for Grade 3.
(Grade 3 will NOT have a 4-point extended response item this year.)
We are encouraging a very relaxed testing atmosphere. All we ask is that students try their best. You can help make your child’s test experience positive and successful by doing the following:
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s rest.
- Have your child eat a healthy breakfast at home or in the cafeteria at school.
- Make sure your child arrives at school on time.
- Gently encourage your child to do their best.
Please take a moment to write an encouraging note to your child by clicking on the form below. When you return this personalized note, it will be given to your child on the morning of testing.
Thank you,
Jennifer Williams
Principal