Yonkers Public
Schools
Casimir Pulaski School
New York State
English Language Arts Exam
Grades 3-8
Parent Guide and Overview Workshop
November 19th 2010
Reading Lab
9:15 a.m.
Title I Reading Teachers: Mariellen Ryan
Harriet Uschakow
Title I Teaching Assistant: Gianna Mastroddi
Agenda
*Parents, please remember to sign in
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Introductions
Overview of NYS English Language Arts Exam
Why test in grades 3-8 every year?
What will these tests look like?
How will test results be used?
Preparation- How parents can help
Questions & Comments
Please fill out the parent evaluation form
Parent Resources
New York State ELA Exam
The New York State tests are designed to measure how
well students have mastered necessary skills and to
monitor the effectiveness of instructional programs.
Although testing is not the only measure of a student’s
knowledge and abilities, it is a vital part of our educational
process. The testing helps assess both student achievement
and the progress of our schools.
The purpose of the tests is to:
• measure a student’s knowledge and overall achievement
• measure a student’s mastery of specific skills
• provide information to schools that can be used to
evaluate the effectiveness of instructional programs
• monitor the performance of schools and school districts
for the purpose of accountability to the public
Why test in grades 3-8 every
year?
• Initially, mandated by federal government
• Also presents the opportunity to:
• Evaluate the implementation of the learning standards annually
• Measure student progress
• Gather information about student readiness for study at the next
level
What will these tests look like?
Grade 3 ELA Test Design
Session 1 (Reading)
•Format
–6 to 7 passages (literary and
informational)
–35 multiple choice items
•Standards 1, 2, 3 measured
Session 2 (Listening)
•Format
–1 listening selection (literary)
–5 multiple choice items
–3 Short response items
–3-5 multiple choice.
•Standards 1, 2, 3 measured
Session 3 (Writing)
•Format
-4 Short Response Questions
-1 Extended Response Question
What will these tests look like?
Continued
Grade 4 ELA Test Design
Session 1 (Reading)
•Format
–7 to 8 passages (literary and informational)
–43 multiple choice items
•Standards 1, 2, 3 measured
Session 2 (Listening/Writing)
•Format
–1 listening selection (literary)
–5 Multiple Choice Questions
–3 Short Response Questions
--3-5 Multiple Choice (writing mechanic
questions)
•Standard 2 measured
Session 3 (Reading/Writing)
•Format
–2 paired passages (literary &
Informational
–4 Short Response Questions
–1 extended Response Question
•Standard 3 measured
What will these tests look like?
Continued
Grade 5 ELA Test Design
Session 1 (Reading)
•Format
–6 to 7 reading passages (literary and
informational)
–35 multiple choice reading questions
•Standards 1, 2, 3 measured
Session 2 (Listening/Writing)
•Format
–1 listening selection (Literary)
–5 multiple choice listening items
–3 Short Response Questions
– 3-5 Multiple Choice (writing mechanics)
•Standards 1 and 3 measured
Session 3
•Format
–2 Paired passages
-- 4 Short Response Questions
–1 Extended Response
•Standards 1, 2, 3 measured
What will these tests look like?
Continued
Grade 6 ELA Test Design
Session 1 (Reading)
•Format
–6 to 7 passages (literary and
informational)
–41 multiple choice items
•Standards 1, 2, 3 measured
Session 2 (Listening/Writing)
•Format
–1 listening selection (literary)
–5 Multiple Choice Questions
–3 Short Response Questions
--3-5 Multiple Choice (writing mechanics)
--2 Paired passages (literary &
informational)
-- 4 Short Response Questions
1 Extended Response Questions
•Standard 2 measured
What will these tests look like?
Continued
Grade 7 ELA Test Design
Session 1 (Reading)
•Format
–6 to 7 passages (literary and
informational)
–41 multiple choice items
•Standards 1, 2, 3 measured
Session 2 (Listening/Writing)
•Format
–1 listening selection (literary)
–5 Multiple Choice Questions
–3 Short Response Questions
--3-5 Multiple Choice (writing mechanics)
--2 Paired passages (literary &
informational)
-- 4 Short Response Questions
1 Extended Response Questions
•Standard 2 measured
What will these tests look like?
Continued
Grade 8 ELA Test Design
Session 1 (Reading)
•Format
–7 to 8 passages (literary and
informational)
–41 multiple choice items
•Standards 1, 2, 3 measured
Session 2 (Listening/Writing)
•Format
–1 listening selection (literary)
–5 Multiple Choice Questions
–3 Short Response Questions
--3-5 Multiple Choice (writing mechanics)
--2 Paired passages (literary &
informational)
-- 4 Short Response Questions
1 Extended Response Questions
•Standard 2 measured
How will test results be used?
Achievement in Relation to the Standards
•Annual feedback to schools
•Standardized statewide reports
•Tracking student progress
Accountability
•Federal and State reporting
•Performance Index computed based on
Grade 3-8 results
•Annual measurable objectives will be
revised
•Discussions ongoing with USDOE
regarding transition process
Preparation
How parents can help
How Parents Can Help
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Parents can play an important role in helping their children to
do well in school and to prepare for these tests.
Here are some things you can do
Talk with your child’s teacher.
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Getting to know your child’s teacher is an excellent way
to stay informed about your child’s performance at
school.
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Attending parent-teacher conferences and school
events is a good way to maintain regular communication
with your child’s teacher.
Be supportive throughout the year.
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Make sure your child comes to school ready to learn,
attends school regularly, and completes all homework
assignments.
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Ask your child about his or her performance
in school, and be generous with praise.
Encourage good work habits.
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You can help your child learn good work habits at home
and at school.
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Explain the importance of carefully
following directions, avoiding careless errors, and
checking work to make sure it’s done correctly.
Preparation
How parents can help
continued
Present a positive attitude toward the tests.
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Let your child know that you have confidence in his or
her abilities.
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Explain that some of the test questions may
be difficult and that it does not matter if other students
finish earlier.
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Let your child know it is okay to proceed at
his or her own pace.
Be sure your child is physically prepared on the day
of the test.
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Taking a test requires a student’s full attention, so your
child should have a good night’s sleep before the test.
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Make sure your child has a healthy breakfast and a
nutritious lunch.
Parent Resources
NYS Testing Brochure
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/osa/ei/parentguide/parentguide.pdf
Latest News on Grades 3-8 Testing
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/home.html
New York State Education Department
Parent Resources
http://usny.nysed.gov/parents/
Office of State Assessment
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa
Office of Curriculum and Instructional Support
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/cis/home.html
Information on the Use of Calculators
http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/7-8calculators.htm
General Information on Testing Accommodations
http://www.vesid.nysed.gov/specialed/publications/policy/testaccess/guide.htm
Yonkers Department of Reading & Language
http://www.ypschools.org/group_profile_view.aspx?id=409f373b-66e7-496a-a86e-de0ef7f402df
Notes
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