The NYS Education Department announced that this year’s State testing take place in-person in school buildings only. The State exams for Grades 3–8 ELA and Mathematics and Grades 4 and 8 Science will not be administered remotely. However, all students have the option to take the exams.
Unlike in the past when parents had to notify their child’s school to opt out of the exams, you will now need to notify the school if you want your child tested. If you do not wish to have your child take the tests, you don’t have to do anything. That applies to both in-person and remote students.
According to the Dept. of Education: “Schools will conduct outreach to all families on whether you would like your student to participate in this year’s State exams so that schools can prepare and create a testing schedule that ensures the health and safety of all our students.”
Students will not be penalized for not taking a State exam. However, some middle and high schools have had academically screened programs that use exam scores as one of several criteria for admissions. The Dept of Education says “Given the impact of COVID-19, the way in which these schools considered exam scores was altered for 2021-22 school year admissions, and information on 2022-23 school year admissions is forthcoming.”
The Student Participation Guide on the DOE’s website contains everything you need to know about this year’s exams.
The State exams will be held on the following days:
- English Language Arts | Grades 3-8: April 19–29, 2021
- Mathematics | Grades 3-8: May 3–14, 2021
- Science | Grades 4-8: June 7–11, 2021
*Testing will not occur on May 13, when schools are closed for Eid Al-Fitr.
Be sure to contact your child’s school directly with any questions.
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