NYS ELA & Math

Assessment Overview

Sponsored by:
Highview PTA
 THANK YOU!
By being directly
involved in the
preparation process,
parents become major
contributors in helping
their children succeed
on New York State
Assessments.
 Purpose of the NYS Exams
★To evaluate the implementation of the State and
Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) at the
student, school, district, State and National levels

★Provide information about students’ readiness for

the next grade level

★Help schools to identify students for whom they

need to provide additional academic assistance

★Help schools measure the effectiveness of their

instructional programs and to measure yearly
student progress through student learning objectives
(SLOs)
 CCLS
The assessments are
based on the Common Core
Learning Standards. The test
content mirrors the
instruction being provided in
the classrooms.
Students have been given
the opportunity to practice
the test and question format
through test-prep materials.
 Exam Dates
★The ELA exam consists of
2 sessions
administered on 2 consecutive days.
(April 11-13, 2018)

★The Math Exam consists of

2 sessions
administered on 2 consecutive days.
(May 1-3, 2018)
 Day 1: ELA
★In the Reading section of the English
Language Arts Tests, students read
four passages representing a variety
of genres, totaling 24 MC questions. For
each passage, students answer reading
comprehension questions that
demonstrate their understanding of
the passages.

★This session contains both fiction and

nonfiction reading passages.
 Day 2: ELA
★ In the Writing section of the English
Language Arts Test, students are required to
read three passages. This is followed by 6 SR
questions, and 1 ER question. The questions
are designed to demonstrate students’
understanding of the passages. Student
responses will be evaluated on how well the
writing addresses the task and demonstrates
understanding of the passages. The students’
writing is scored based on a rubric.

★ This session contains both fiction and

nonfiction reading passages.
Break Down
Short Response Rubric
Writing Rubric
 Math Days 1-2
Students apply the skills and knowledge gained in
the classroom in order to answer three types of
questions: multiple choice, short response, and
extended response.

Session 1
25 multiple choice questions

Session 2
8 multiple choice questions
6 Short–Response questions
1 Extended-Response questions

The students’ ability to respond and explain their

answers is scored based on a rubric.
Break Down
Short Response Rubric

Enter Your Text Here

Extended Response Rubric

Enter Your Text Here

 Home Support
English Mathematics
Language Arts
∙ Read as much non-fiction ∙ Build skills across
as fiction grade levels
∙ Learn about the world by ∙ Learn more about less
reading (fewer skills, but
deeper)
∙ Read more challenging ∙ Use math facts easily
material
∙ Talk about reading using ∙ Think fast AND solve
"evidence" problems
∙ Write about texts using ∙ Really know it, really
"evidence" do it
∙ Know more vocabulary ∙ Use math in the real
words world
 What Can You Do?
The Top 10 Ways to
Help Your Child
Prepare for Testing

To help children prepare

adequately for tests
(teacher-made or
standardized), you can do
several things to provide
support and create a
positive test-taking
experience.
 Top 10...
10- If your child is nervous at test time, practice
relaxation methods that work for your child.

9- Make sure that your child is in school during

the testing sessions. Dress them in layers so they
can adjust to the classroom/outdoor temperatures.

8- Do not plan any doctor or dental appointments

on test dates.

7- Read to your child and ask them specific

questions about what they read, not just “yes or
no” questions.

6- Build your child’s reading/writing stamina.

Increase reading/writing time weekly.
 Top 10...
5- Present a positive attitude toward the tests.
Let your child know that you have confidence in his or her abilities.
Explain that some of the test questions may be difficult and that it
does not matter if other students finish earlier. Let your child know
it is okay to proceed at his or her own pace.

4- Encourage your child to listen carefully to all test-taking

directions given by the teacher and to ask questions about any
directions that are unclear.

3- See that your child gets at least 8 hours of sleep on the nights
before the tests. Keep routines normal. ☺

2- Make sure that your child eats a well-balanced, healthy

breakfast on the days of the tests. Hunger can detract from a good
test performance.

1- Encourage your child to do his/her best! Be proud of them no

matter what!
 ELL/SPED Students
■ All ELL and Special Ed. students are
required to take the NYS ELA and
Mathematics exams.
■ ELL students will be tested in Mr.
Polanco’s classroom with a proctor.
■ Students with special needs will test
in a special location and receive
other modifications in accordance
with their IEP’s and 504 Plans.
 Websites
NYS Test Guide
https://www.engageny.org/3-8
Sample Test Questions
https://www.engageny.org/resource/new-york-state-common-core-sample-q
uestions
PTA Parent Guide to Student Success
https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/Parents-Guides-to-Student-Succ
ess/third-grade
Parent Resources
https://www.engageny.org/resource/parent-resources-grades-3-8-ela-mathe
matics-tests
https://www.engageny.org/parent-guides-to-the-common-core-standards