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Latest News on ELA, Mathematics, and
Grades 3-8 Testing

In 1996, the Board of Regents adopted a set of 28 learning standards for seven content (subject) areas: Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST); English Language Arts(ELA); Social Studies; Languages Other than English (LOTE); Health, Physical Education and Family Consumer Sciences; The Arts; and Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS). These 28 learning standards remain unchanged since 1996 with the exception of the MST Learning Standard 3: Mathematics which was revised by the Board of Regents in January 2005.

Following the adoption of the standards, the Education Department issued a series of core curricula, which provide an additional level of specificity to the learning standards. Core curricula are particularly important to local curriculum developers/educators since they contain the State’s expectations of what students must know and be able to do, as a result of skilled instruction in relation to the content areas. MORE ---->

Learning Standards, Core Curricula, and
Grades 3-8 Testing

     English Language Arts

Mathematics

 
  • Rulers and Protractors for 2008 NYS 3-8 Assessments with a link to
    http://emsc32.nysed.gov/osa/mathei/toolsmemo-08.pdf

  • Information Concerning the Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Tests
    http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/elintela.html

  • Information Concerning the Grades 3-8 Mathematics Tests
    http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/elintmath.html

  • The Institute of Education Sciences (IES)
    The Institute of Education Sciences (IES)/What Works Clearinghouse publishes practice guides in education to bring the best available evidence and expertise to bear on the types of challenges that cannot currently be addressed by single interventions or programs. The What Works Clearinghouse was established in 2002 by the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences to provide educators, policymakers, researchers, and the public with a central and trusted source of scientific evidence of what works in education.

    IES practice guides consist of a list of discrete recommendations for educators that are intended to be actionable, are written by panels of nationally recognized experts, and are subjected to rigorous external peer review and include such titles as Encouraging Girls in Math and Science, Organizing Instruction and Study to Improve Student Learning, and Effective Literacy and English Language Instruction for English Learners in the Elementary Grades. http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/practiceguides

  • Memo regarding the June 2008 Regents Examination in Integrated Algebra.
    The Regents Examination period for June 2008 will begin on Tuesday, June 17, and conclude with the Rating Day on Thursday, June 26. The Regents Examination in Integrated Algebra will be administered on the afternoon of June 17. In addition, all schools that administer the examination in June 2008 will be participating in the post-operational score collection for standard setting. The conversion chart for determining each student’s final examination scale score from the total raw score will be posted on the Department’s web site no later than the Rating Day, Thursday, June 26.

    **For the full text of this item, click here**
    http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/mathre/interalg-memo07.pdf

  • NEW! 3-8 NYS 2007 Assessment Results
    Achievement in grade 3-8 math has improved overall this year, according to State test results. The improvement is notable in middle school, from grades 5-8. This year, 73 percent of students across grades 3-8 achieved the math standards, compared to 66 percent last year. Further details can be found at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/irts/press-release/20070612/home.htm 
     

  • The Grades 3-8 2007 Mathematics Tests are now available on-line at http://www.nysedregents.org/testing/mathei/07exams/home.htm Item maps with the performance indicators and multiple choice answers keys are also available. Posted May 18, 2007
     

  • State Education Department Announces Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Test Results for 2007
     http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/irts/press-release/20070522/home.htm
     

  • The Grades 3-8 2007 English Language Arts Tests are now available on-line at http://www.nysedregents.org/testing/elaei/07exams/home.htm . The tests are complete with the exception of passages that were denied permission to be placed on-line by the author. Item maps with the performance indicators and multiple choice answers keys are posted as well. Posted May 18, 2007
     

  • 2007 Grade 8 Mathematics Chinese Edition Only. WORD - PDF
     

  • Questions and Answers Document for Scoring the 2007 Mathematics tests- This document answers questions that were raised by RIC scoring trainers while viewing the DVDs. All other questions may be telephoned or emailed to CTB at the scoring helplines: 1-888-282-0059 or ny_scoring@ctb.com. HTML
     

  • The Guidance for Calculator Use in the Classroom and on State Assessments in Mathematics Chart summarizes the policy decisions made regarding the use of calculators in classrooms and on State Assessment in Mathematics. PDF / Microsoft Word  / HTML Updated 3/9/07 to reflect the Interim Deputy's memo (see next item below) of March 2007.
     

  • The Department's recently issued memo on The Use of Calculators in Commencement Level Mathematics is now available. PDF  HTML
     

  • The Test Specifications are now available for the Regents Examination in Integrated Algebra (first administration June 2008). PDF
     

  • The Test Specifications are now available for the Regents Examination in Geometry (first administration June 2009). PDF  HTML (posted 8/2/07)
     

  • The Test Specifications are now available for the Regents Examination in Algebra 2 and Trigonometry (first administration June 2010). PDF  HTML (posted 8/2/07)
     

  • School Administrator's Manual (SAM) for Public and Nonpublic Schools for the 2007 Grades 3-8 Mathematics Tests is available online at  http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/sam/home.htm  Posted February 23, 2007 Updated March 9, 2007
     

  • Revised Mathematics Assessment Scoring Policies and Content Specific Scoring Clarifications PDF
     

  • The Mathematics Grades 3-8 2007 Scoring Leader Handbook PDF
     

  • Teachers Directions for the 2007 Grades 3-8 Mathematics Tests http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/directions/home.htm
     

  • The 2007 3-8 English Language Arts Important Dates are online including the Testing Schedule for Administration of Tests and Makeup Testing http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/sam/eladates-07.htm Updated January 24, 2007 More Dates Added
     

  • The 2007 3-8 Mathematics Important Dates are online including the Testing Schedule for Administration of Tests and Makeup Testing http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/sam/mathdates-07.htm Updated February 21, 2007
     

  • GRADES 3-8 ELA FIELD TEST NOTICE - The SECURITY CHECKLIST that was enclosed with the January 2007 field test materials was sent in error. This form should be discarded. All field test questions should be directed to CTB at: 1-888-282-0059, prompt #1.
     

  • Questions and Answers Document for Scoring the 2007 ELA tests- This document answers questions that were raised by RIC scoring trainers while viewing the DVDs. All other questions may be telephoned or emailed to CTB at the scoring helplines: 1-888-282-0059 or ny_scoring@ctb.com.  HTML Updated January 26, 2007
     

  • Scoring Site Operations Manual PDF
    The scoring site operations manual provides guidelines, information, and procedures for Scoring Site Coordinators to facilitate scoring of the English Language Arts and Mathematics test. It details scoring operations from on-site delivery of students' testing materials to the conclusion of scoring.
    January 25, 2006
    Updates to page 26 (assigning scorer numbers) and Appendices D, E, F, W, and X.
    Updated January 17, 2007
     

  • Regulatory Changes Related to Commencement Level Mathematics Requirements Approved at its May 22-23, 2006 meeting, the Board of Regents approved changes to section 100.5 (a)(3)(iv), 100.5 (a)(5)(b)(2), 100.5 (b)(iv)(c), 100.5 (b)(v)(a), and 100.5 (b)(x) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. The action clarifies policy changes for commencement level mathematics, including graduation requirements, units of credit, and types of diplomas, during and after the transition from Regents Examinations in Mathematics A and Mathematics B to Regents Examinations in Integrated Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. These changes are effective June 15, 2006 and will primarily affect students who first enter grade 9 in September of 2008.
    View the chart that summarizes the changes. PDF - WORD - HTML
    View the revised regulatory language and related policy statements. PDF - WORD - HTML Posted January 2007
     

  • 2007 Grades 3-8 ELA Field Test Information Update on Grades 3-8 ELA Field Testing-Amount of Time Needed for the Field Tests  http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/fieldtest/ft-timing07.htm
     

  • Changes in Procedure for Packaging of the Listening Selections of the Grades 3-8 ELA Tests PDF  Posted January 3, 2007
     

  • The English Language Arts Grades 3-8 2007 Scoring Leader Handbook PDF
     

  • School Administrator's Manual (SAM) for Public and Nonpublic Schools for the 2007 Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Tests is available online at  http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/sam/home.htm
     

  • Charging Students for Calculators:  Clarification regarding the responsibility of school districts to provide students with calculators is available at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/mgtserv/charging_for_calculators.shtml. Posted November 2006
     

  • Rulers and Protractors for the Grades 3-8 Mathematics Tests PDF  HTML
     

  • Teacher Directions for the 2007 Grades 3-8 English Language Arts Tests: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/directions/home.htm  Posted November 29, 2006
     

  • Scoring the Editing Paragraph for Grades 3, 5, and 7 http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/scoringediting.htm
     

  • The Glossary of Mathematical Terms (PreK-grade 8) has been updated to reflect field experiences from the first year of implementation of the New York State Mathematics Core Curriculum (Revised 2005).  http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/glossary.htm  This Glossary, intended for teacher use only, provides an understanding of the mathematical terms used in PreK-grade 8 level instruction as reflected in the New York State Mathematics Core Curriculum (Revised 2005) We encourage all teachers to become familiar with these terms and use them consistently throughout a student's educational program. Posted October 2006
     

  • Results of 2006 English Language Arts Assessments in Grades 3-8: 

Press Release - HTML | Word
Presentation - Graphic HTML | Text-Only HTML | Powerpoint
Results by District, School and County (in HTML and PDF)

Parent Reports - http://www.nysparents.com/nys/additionalresources/resourcegroup6

  • LEP/ELL Student Statewide Assessment Policy/Title I Requirements: In response to the U.S. Department of Education's recent findings that the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) can no longer be used for Title I accountability purposes, the Department has changed its policy on the assessment of LEP/ELL students beginning with the 2006-07 school year.  PDF  HTML  Posted August 2006
     
  • Sample Tasks for PreK-8, Integrated Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 and Trigonometry, aligned with Performance Indicators, are now available. These sample tasks, developed by New York State teachers, are clarifications, further explaining the language and intent of the associated Performance Indicators. These tasks are not test items, nor are they meant for students' use.  (PreK-8 Posted June 2006; Integrated Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 and Trigonometry Posted August 2006).
     
  • The Instructional Recommendations for Elementary and Intermediate Mathematics Instruction Word Document / html  has been revised. Posted June 2006
    This document is to assist teachers and administrators in directing classroom instruction to align with the New York State Learning Standard for Mathematics (revised March 2005). Please refer to this new document for the most current information.
     
  • On December 8, 2005 the Board of Regents unanimously approved the Education Department's Implementation Timeline for Regents Examinations in Mathematics for Integrated Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. During the phase-in of the new regents examinations, a student will be able to attain the mathematics portion of a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation by passing the Mathematics A Regents and the Algebra 2 and Trigonometry regents, or by passing all three of the new regents examinations-Integrated Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. For more information, go to http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/mst/mqa.html and scroll down to question 1 in Commencement-Level questions.
     
  • The Commencement Level Glossary for Teachers and Suggested Lists of Mathematical Language for Students are now available online. The Glossary, intended for teacher use only, provides an understanding of the mathematical terms used in the Regents-approved courses entitled Integrated Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 and Trigonometry as reflected in the New York State Mathematics Core Curriculum (Revised 2005). We encourage all teachers at the commencement level to become familiar with these terms and use them consistently throughout a student's educational program.
    The     Suggested Lists of Mathematical Language are presented for each Regents-approved course entitled Integrated Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. These lists are intended to engage New York State educators and students in building a mathematical language. The lists contain terms that are defined in the Glossary. Posted March 15, 2006
     
  • Guide to the 3-8 Testing Program in English Language Arts and Mathematics This document is an updated version of the section formerly known as Introduction to the Grades 3-8 testing Program in English Language Arts and Mathematics in the Guide to the Grades 3-8 Testing Program dated September 2005. PDF  Posted December 1, 2006
     
  • The Guidance for Calculator Use in the Classroom and on State Assessments in Mathematics Chart summarizes the policy decisions made regarding the use of calculators in classrooms and on State Assessment in Mathematics. Posted February 21, 2006  PDF / Microsoft Word  / HTML
     
  • Field Test Information including the latest information for the 2005-2009 field tests in New York State elementary and intermediate schools, including two lists of schools (in alphabetical order by school name) with their respective field test strand and their required field test assignment, and the five-year field test schedule.  A notice regarding the amount of time needed for the Math field tests is now available. Updated February 3, 2006
     
  • Board of Regents Update: Mathematics Graduation Requirements October 2005

  • Information for Teachers This letter was sent to K-8 teachers to provide them with the latest guidance concerning the grades 3-8 testing program,changes in mathematics, and links to ongoing web updates. December 2004

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