Every spring, all school districts in New York administer the state’s English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics exams to students in grades 3-8. The federal Every Student Succeeds Act requires that school districts administer these tests.
- The 2022 state math exam will be administered Tuesday, April 26 and Wednesday, April 27.
- The 2022 state ELA exam was administered Tuesday, March 29 and Wednesday, March 30.
What the tests measure
The tests are designed to measure how well students are mastering learning standards that guide classroom instruction. They help ensure that students are on track to graduate from high school with the critical-thinking, problem-solving and reasoning skills needed for success in college and the modern workplace. The tests also show how schools and districts are progressing with the learning standards.
In addition, these assessments objectively inform parents, guardians and teachers about students’ progress compared to other students across the state. Annual assessments are also used to help ensure that traditionally underserved students – students of color, students receiving Special Education or English as a New Language (ENL) services, or students from low-income communities – are not overlooked.
Finally, school leaders and leadership teams use the assessment data to make academic and budgetary decisions in order to further improve the delivery of quality instruction and the allocation of resources directly impacting student achievement and success.
Before the tests
Please make sure your student gets plenty of rest in the days leading up to the tests, and that they have a good breakfast so they are ready to do their best.
Students who choose not to take state tests
Parents or guardians of students not participating in state testing are asked to provide a letter – by noon Monday, April 25 – to the school principal indicating which test or tests their student will not be taking, along with a phone number where the parent or guardian can be reached. This will allow schools to identify a room or rooms where these students can quietly read while testing students remain in their classrooms. Students who are not testing will return to their classrooms when the test session is done and resume normal instruction.
