As we head into the spring, I know many of you have questions about standardized testing. In a typical year, State exams would be administered to nearly all students in their physical classroom. This year, many of our students are learning remotely, but the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has required that exams must still take place in-person in the school building. It will not be possible to administer state exams remotely. Therefore, we are contacting you to determine if you would like your child to participate in this year’s State exams.
It is very important you let us know if you would like your student to participate in this year’s State exams so that we can prepare and create a testing schedule that ensures the health and safety of all of our students. Please read on for more information about this year’s exams.
What State exams will be administered in the school building?
The Grades 3–8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics exams, and the Grades 4 and 8 Science exams, will only be administered in your child’s school building. All schools will adhere to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Visit schools.nyc.gov/RTShealthsafety to learn more.
How will you keep my student safe during in-person test administration?
Health and safety are our first priorities. We are asking for you to sign up so we can create testing schedules and room assignments that allow for social distancing protocols.
How do I sign up for the exams?
If you would like your child to participate in this year’s State exams, please notify us by completing this survey https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1xHDtvKo2NyBLb6t03mM3zjwz2MFHZh3uGrn7OPZD1lAaYg/viewfor m?usp=sflink by Thursday, April 15, 2021. If you do not wish to have your child test you do not have to take any further action. If we do not hear back from you by Thursday, April 15, 2021, your child will NOT participate in state testing.
If my student is already learning in the building, do I still need to sign up for the exams?
Yes. You must let us know if you would like your student to take State exams, whether they are learning in-person or remotely.
My student is fully-remote. Are they expected to come in to take the exams?
No. Students receiving fully remote instruction are not expected to come to school to take the State exams. However, if you would like your student to take the exam, they can be included—just notify us by completing the survey above.
If my student does not take the exams, will they be penalized?
No. Any student who does not participate in the 2021 NYS ELA, Math, or Science exams will not be penalized.
When are the exams?
The exams will be administered within the following dates:
- English Language Arts for grades 3 through 8: April 19–29, 2021
- Mathematics for grades 3 through 8: May 3–14, 2021
- Science for grades 4 and 8: June 7–11, 2021
Testing will not occur on May 13, when schools are closed for Eid Al-Fitr. We will share the scheduled testing date for your child prior to the start of testing window.
If I don’t sign up, what will my child do while their classmates are taking the exam?
Students receiving in-person instruction who do not take the exam will continue their instructional program, as will fully remote students.
Are the exams different this year?
Yes. This year, the ELA and Mathematics exams for grades 3 through 8 will be multiple choice only. The Science exams for grades 4 and 8 will consist only of questions that are multiple choice or require a short, written answer. The tests are untimed, but most students will complete the tests in 55 to 90 minutes.
I have more questions. How can I learn more?
The DOE has created a Parent Guide to address commonly asked questions about the administration of the Grades 3–8 ELA and Mathematics and Grades 4 and 8 Science exams in the 2020-21 school year. We appreciate your collaboration and flexibility as we continually work to ensure a strong, supportive education for your child and every student in our school community.
