1. Getting Ready for the NYS Tests
January 19, 2018

2. Getting Ready for the NYS Tests
What we learned from past results
The tests: ELA & Math
Instruction & test prep at Peck Slip
What can you do to help at home?
Tests Implications
Q & A

3. What we have learned: Overall:
Stamina is important.
Specific multiple choice skills.
Attention to test questions
ELA: Inferring, Writing, text-based evidence
Math: Multi-step problems, Fractions

4. Test Dates ELA Mathematics April 11 & 12 (Wednesday – Thursday)
May 2 & 3 (Wednesday – Thursday)

5. The ELA Test (Grades 3 & 4) Session 1 Session 2:
Read ~4 short passages & answer ~24 multiple choice questions.
Session 2:
Read ~3 passages
Answer ~ 6 short written responses.
Plan & write one essay (Grade 3 based on one test; Grades 4 & 5.

6. The ELA Test (Grade 5) Session 1 Session 2:
Read ~5 short passages & answer ~35 multiple choice questions.
Session 2:
Read ~3 passages
Answer ~ 6 short written responses.
Plan & write one essay.

7. How are we preparing your children for the ELA?
All Year Long: Writing About Reading
Short-answer responses
Extended Responses, including text-based evidence
Building stamina for writing & reading
Developing comprehension (summarization)
February - April: Learning the Tests
Multiple choice strategies
Right there vs. Off the Page
Main idea, sequencing, opinion/fact, vocabulary, part to whole
Attitude! Act like this test is a video game

8. How are we preparing your children for the ELA?
February - April: Learning the Tests
Essay Writing Instruction: introduction, evidence, conclusion
Learning what the test makers are looking for and what students’ weaknesses are.
First, students look at a level 3 & 4 responses and describe their attributes.
Students draft written responses
Finally, they revise theirs to make it better, and note areas they need to focus on.

9. ELA Questions??

10. The Math Test: Grade 3 Session 1 Session 2
25 multiple choice questions (includes very little raw computation).
Use rulers.
Session 2
8 multiple choice questions.
6 short problems (student must show work).
1 extended multi-step problem (student must show work).
Partial credit available!

11. The Math Test: Grades 4 & 5 Session 1 Session 2
30 multiple choice questions.
Use rulers and protractors.
Session 2
8 multiple choice questions.
6 short problems (student must show work).
1 extended multi-step problem (student must show work).
Partial credit available!

12. How are we preparing your children for the math test?
All year
How to present work clearly & legibly
Reviewing work thoughtfully
Focusing on reasoning – does that make sense?
February – May Learning about the Test
How to read questions (all tests are reading tests)
Multiple choice strategies (incl. distractors & solving problems in book)
Review of all math content areas
Clear understanding of what test makers are looking for

13. Math Test Questions??

14. What can you do to help at home?
Build stamina by increasing number of minutes your child reads each night.
Read short texts of all kinds & genres.
Brush up on math facts (addition & multiplication).
Practice checking writing & math work for errors.
Monitor your child’s stress level
Educate yourselves: Check out Educator Guides to the 2018 Grades 3–8 Tests at

15. The Tests Implications
For grade 3 & 5 students – nothing. Students are never held over on the basis of test scores.
For grade 4 students – Screened middle schools look at Grade 4 test scores but by law they cannot be the sole or predominant factor for admission.
You should know: the Middle School choice process is undergoing changes and will be different for students entering grade 6 September 2019.

16. Questions?