The purpose of this letter is to share important information about the upcoming New York State (NYS) tests in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics that will begin in April. The Common Core assessments and standards represent a rigorous and high benchmark that we want our students to be able to achieve. The assessments are used for several valuable purposes such as measuring our District performance from year to year, monitoring student learning, and evaluating the effectiveness of our curriculum and instruction. The tests are a measure of growth for individual students and entire grade levels. We utilize the results along with other performance measures to create services that meet the individual needs of students, develop classroom academic supports, design curriculum, and to develop professional development for our teachers. The exam results are the foundation for rich, meaningful discussions on how we can better prepare our students. In each building, teachers and administrators look closely and collaboratively at student responses. They celebrate growth and look for where we can improve.
Please note no placement decisions will be made for students based on the results of these exams.
Our teachers and administrators recognize that testing is challenging, and work with all students to prepare them and make them comfortable during testing. Prior to the exams teachers allow students time to settle in, stretch, talk and get comfortable. On testing days, students are given time after testing to relax, and socialize before other academic work resumes.
If you have any questions, please direct them to your child's teacher, the building principal, or Mr. Gerard W. Poole, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at 867-5201. If I can be of assistance, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Kishore Kuncham, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools