Frequently Asked Questions on the Grade 3-8 Assessments
Parent NYS 3-8 Assessments FAQ
The following frequently asked questions and answers have been developed to explain the design, administration, and results reporting for the New York State Grades 3-8 Assessments.
1. What are the New York State 3-8 Assessments?
These assessments were developed by the New York State Education Department to measure annual student progress in reading and math.
2. When will the 2023-2024 New York State 3-8 Assessments occur?
For students in grades 3-5, the New York State ELA assessment will take place on Wednesday, April 10 – Thursday, April 11, and the Math assessment on Wednesday, May 8 – Thursday, May 9. Students in grade 3 will be taking a paper-based assessment. Students in grades 4-8 will be taking a computer-based assessment.
Specific grades will be tested on two dates during the testing window. For students in grades 6-8, the New York State ELA assessment will take place on Wednesday, April 17 – Thursday, April 18, and the Math assessment will take place on Monday, May 6- Tuesday, May 7. Students will be taking a computer-based assessment.
- All grade 6 students will test April 17 – April 18 (ELA)
- All grade 7 students will test April 17 - April 18 (ELA)
- All grade 8 students will test April 17 - April 18 (ELA)
- All grade 6 students will test May 6 - May 7 (Math)
- All grade 7 students will test May 6 - May 7 (Math)
- All grade 8 students will test May 6 – May 7 (Math)
3. What should parents know about the New York State 3-8 Assessments?
- Assessments are two days.
- The exams have a suggested time allotment, which varies according to grade and exam. However, students can take as much time to complete the written exams as they need. Testing is “untimed.”
- New York State teachers have developed all questions.
- New York State will release 75% of the test questions. Previous release questions can be found using the link: http://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/past-grades-3-8-tests
- Assessment results are not linked to a teacher or principal evaluations.
- Parent score reports have been revised to be more user-friendly and valuable for families.
- Families are encouraged to have their children participate and do their best. Attendance during these exams does impact building and district accountability status. The accountability status is noted on the District’s School Report Card and the building’s School Report Card.
- Parents can view School and District Reports Cards using the link: https://data.nysed.gov/
4. If my child does not perform well on the test, will it impact his report card grade?
No. New York State Department of Education requires all school districts to provide academic intervention services to students who score below the State designated performance level or are at risk of not achieving the State learning standards. New York State Assessments are not recorded on student report cards. The information lets parents see how their child is progressing in mastering grade-level students. If a child is performing below grade level, the district has a Multi-System of Support Plan (MTSS) adopted by the Board of Education. The plan outlines the support the district will supply to students. The plan can be found using the link below.
It is anticipated that parents will receive their child’s New York State Assessment reports in early September. These reports will be posted on the parent portal for parents to review. They are located under the assessment tab
6. How does the school use the information from these assessments
The NYS 3-8 Assessments are among the multiple measures of student performance that help inform instruction. Information from these assessments is used to guide instructional decisions and provide intervention services to students who qualify based on strengths and weaknesses in targeted academic areas. For more information, you can go to the Parent Resources on the New York State Education Department’s website by using the link below:
http://www.nysed.gov/state-assessment/parent-resources
7. What do the regulations say about a parent’s right to “opt out” of New York State assessments?
School district officials are bound by an oath of office to comply with all NYS regulations, including testing requirements. Neither the law nor the State commissioner's regulations provide any legal right or method for students to "opt out" of the mandated assessments. New York State does not have a statutory optout provision. The State commissioner's regulations do not permit opting out except under specific exceptions, such as those involving students with disabilities
8. What is the process for parents who choose not to have their child take the State exams?
We strongly encourage all students to participate in the New York State Assessments and will provide whatever support is needed to ensure their success. However, if parents choose not to allow their child to take the mandated assessments, the parent must provide a written request to their school principal indicating their decision not to have their child take the NYS exams. These requests must be submitted at least one week before the assessment.