Dear Bluehawk Parent/Guardian,
As you may have heard, the New York State assessments are still taking place this year after a request to cancel the exams was denied at the federal level. The most important thing we want parents to know is that we view these tests as a measure of the district’s performance in meeting the state standards, not your child’s. These are not high stakes exams this year and we ask our students to simply try their best. Your child’s results will be used to better understand their learning and to adjust our instruction accordingly. Assessment data provides teachers with valuable information that will guide their curriculum, teaching strategies and interventions.
As we get closer to the New York State exams for students in Grades 3-8, we want to share some important information about the state exams. This year, only Session 1 of the Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Math tests will be required; and only the one-session Written test component of the Grades 4 and 8 Science tests will be administered. The dates for the Grades 3-8 state exams are below. When exact dates are finalized you will be notified.
Assessment Schedule:
- Grades 3-8 English Language Arts assessments will be given on one day between April 19-29, 2021.
- Grades 3-8 Mathematics assessments will be given on one day between May 3-14, 2021.
- Grades 4 & 8 Science assessments will be given on one day between June 7-9, 2021.
- Grades K-12 NYSESLAT (English Language Learners only) assessments will be given on multiple days between April 19-June 9, 2021.
The number of questions on most of the exams has been significantly reduced so they will be given on one day only during each testing window stated above. The exams are untimed and any students with testing accommodations will be granted the required accommodations based on the assessment.
While virtual students are not required to take the state assessments this school year, we continue to support our belief that every student should take the assessments and do the best they can. Click here for information about signing up your remote student to participate in the state assessments.
We are proud of the hard work that students, teachers, and parents continue to do every day to support the academic success of our children. While this has not been an ideal school year, everyone has pulled together to make your child’s educational experience as robust as possible. Thank you for the vital support you have provided as a partner in your child’s education this year. If you have any questions about the information contained in this letter, please contact your child’s principal.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maria Lagana Suttmeier, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools