Student Participation Guide

Dear Families: 

The annual New York State English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics will be administered to all students in grades 3-8 later this spring. Students in grades 5 and 8 will also sit for the New York State science test. These tests are required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and are designed to provide important information about whether students are prepared to progress through school and graduate with the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning skills they need for long-term success in school, college, and careers, and to support students in their pursuit of economic security and a choice-filled life.  

These tests are just one of several measures our schools use to assess student progress: grades, report cards, writing samples, projects, assignments, and other performance-based student work are equally important.  

What is new for this year’s State tests? 

This is the first year of NYSED’s three-year transition to the computer-based administration of all Grades 3 – 8 State tests. While schools can administer computer-based versions in all grades, all students in grades 5 and 8 will take computer-based versions of the test in ELA, math, and science.  

If you have additional questions, please contact your child’s school. 

When are the State tests for grades 3–8?

How do State tests benefit my child?

You and your child benefit from State tests because they: 

• Provide detailed information about whether your child is learning what is expected of them for their grade levels. 
• Help schools determine how students are progressing and performing compared to their peers, and which students or teachers may need more support. 
• Allow you to learn how your child’s school is doing compared to other schools.   

What do the tests entail? How long does my child have to complete a state exam?

The ELA and math tests consist of two untimed sessions and are administered over two days (one session per day). Session 1 and 2 for ELA include multiple-choice and open-ended questions. Session 1 for math is multiple-choice only. Session 2 for math includes multiple-choice and open-ended questions. The science test, administered only in grades 5 and 8, is a single session that includes multiple-choice and open-ended questions. All three tests are untimed. Students who need more time will be able to work at their own pace to better demonstrate what they know and can do. 

What is the impact of score results on teachers?

Depending on each school’s Measures of Student Learning selection criteria, State test results may or may not impact teacher evaluations.  

How do these tests factor into middle or high school admissions?

For fall 2025 admissions, State test scores will not be used for admissions. Some schools will use course grades and/or school-based assessments to evaluate students, as in previous years. 

Can families opt their children out of State tests, or request an alternative evaluation?

• We strongly encourage all students to take these tests because both you and your child benefit from the information we learn through test results.  State tests provide additional information on what your child is learning and help teachers and schools adjust support where needed. 
•  If you are interested in opting your child out of State tests, please consider consulting with your child’s principal. If, after consulting with the principal, you still want to opt your child out of the exams, the principal will respect your decision. The parent and the principal should maintain a written record of this conversation. 

What should my child do to prepare for the test?

• Help your child get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam and have a good breakfast in the morning. 
• Acknowledge your child’s feelings about testing and boost their confidence. 

When will I find out how my child performed on the tests?

• New York State usually releases test scores during the summer and the scores will be made available through your child’s NYC Schools Account.
• We encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher or principal to discuss State test scores and overall academic progress.

What happens if my child is not in school when the State exam is administered?

It is important for your child to take the test. Please do all you can to support your child and ensure they are at school on testing days. Students who are absent for any reason will have a second chance to take the test during the make-up period. If your child is also absent during the make-up period, there will be no additional chances to take the test. Students will not be penalized or retained in the same grade solely for not taking a State test. 

Does my child have to take the State test if they are also taking a Regents exam? 

Some students take high-school-level Regents exams in middle school. If your child is in grade 7 or 8 and will take a math or science Regents exam this school year, your school will not administer the State test in math or science test to them. You may choose to have your child take the State math or science test for more information about their progress, even though it is not required. Contact your school if you would like your student to take the State math or science test in addition to taking a math or science Regents exam.