When are the NY State Tests? ELA tests for grades 3-8 March 28, 29, 30 Starting at 8:45 Math tests for grades 3-8 May 2, 3, 4 Science tests for grades 4 and 8 Written test June 5 starting at 8:45 4th grade lab test May 30-June 1 8th grade lab test May 24-26

What are the ELA tests like? Untimed Combination of literary and informational texts Challenging texts – many will be above “grade level” Grade 3 & 4 10 passages, 31 Multiple Choice (MC), 7 short answer, 2 extended response Grades 5-8 11 passages, 45 MC, 7 short answer, 2 extended response All Myltiple Choice(MC) day 1, combo MC, short extended day 2, short extedned day 3

What are the math tests like? Untimed Grade 3 has 44 MC on Day 1 & 2 with 5 short response and 3 extended response on Day 3 Grade 4 & 5 have 45 MC on Day 1 & 2 and 6 short response and 4 extended response on Day 3 Grades 6 -7 have 51 MC on Day 1 & 2 with 6 short response and 4 extended response on Day 3

What are the science tests like? Multiple choice questions on the written test A series of lab tasks on the lab test Conducted in small groups

Consequences of the tests Performance on the test does not determine if a child repeats a grade or goes to summer school Some District 2 middle schools look at 4th grade test scores as part of a portfolio of information Some high schools look at 7th grade test scores as part of a portfolio of information The school “grade” on our report card School based planning Other key info is attendance, content and behavior grades, interviews, school based assessments/ portfolios.

Consequences cont’d Performance on these tests is NOT an indication of your child’s aptitude, intelligence or potential We have kids surprise us all the time by scoring either below what we anticipate or significantly above. Or by scoring very well one year and not the next and vice versa.

How teachers are talking about the tests Students are practicing test skills such as understanding MC questions Practice writing about reading Importance of trying to do your best work Strategies for maintaining stamina

How parents can help prepare? Make sure your child is reading every night for 30 minutes. Read aloud challenging texts together and discuss the characters, themes, and vocabulary Make sure your kids come to school rested, fed and on time Remind them that you are confident that they are doing their best and that you love them and are proud of them

Helping your child cope with Test Anxiety PTA Meeting February 10, 2017 School Counselors Mara Boden & Rachel Goodman

What is test anxiety? An uneasiness and tension that a child feels before, during or after a test due to uncertainty or fear of failure A little anxiety is NORMAL and healthy and can help to motivate When anxiety interfers with test taking (can’t recall info, blank out, trouble paying attention) is when you may need to help your child with additional strategies

What does it look/feel like?

Negative vs. positive self-talk Often our biggest hurdle are the messages we tell ourselves. Our thoughts affect our feelings, which impact our behavior/performance. Negative Thought Positive Thought If I do bad on this test, I’ll have to repeat 3rd grade I will be ok even if I don’t get as good a grade as I want I suck at Math. I’m gonna do so bad. I am going to stay calm and try my best

The test anxiety cycle

What can I do as a parent? Manage your own anxiety! If you are anxious about your child's test, it's ok, but try to keep calm around your child. You don't want them to get anxious about their tests too. Kids ALWAYS pick up on your energy.

Talk to your kids about tests Talking about the test with your child can relieve stress about test taking. Help your child identify what they are worried about. Is it that multiplication is hard for them? Or is filling in the bubbles on the test sheet the difficult part? Often just saying out loud what the concerns are can help both of you come up with strategies for studying and reducing stress.

Teach self-calming strategies Deep breathing Slowly counting to 10 Progressive muscle relaxation Positive visualization- picture yourself in a calming, safe space

You probably know these tips, but… Get a good night sleep Have your child eat a healthy, non-sugar breakfast Get to school on time! Wear comfortable clothes

You got this!