"Two-week testing window a concern in grades 3-8." June 5, 2005. NYSUT Guide to K-12 Education Standards 2005-2006. New York State United Teachers.


Guide to State and Federal Standards for Academic Year 2005-2006 An overview of where New York State stands in the move to higher standards and more rigorous tests. HOME \| STANDARDS \| Your Students \| Your Credentials \| Sample Tests \| Resources \| News Archive
Your Students Two-week testing window a concern in grades 3-8 Posted: June 5, 2005 The State Education Department has released a schedule for grades 3-8 testing in 2006 that provides schools a two-week window for administering new state tests required under No Child Left Behind. Tentative dates for the new tests are highlighted in the chart below. New York State United Teachers "is concerned about the possible disruptions in education due to this scheduling," said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira. She noted that State Ed's Office of State Assessments had originally indicated there would be specific days for the testing in math and English Language Arts. NYSUT had forwarded to State Ed the concerns raised by teachers attending the union's Local Presidents' Conference in April. The union also remains concerned about the need for professional development for members to assure that the new tests can be administered and scored without problems, Neira noted.	New policy on grade 8 test As of May 2005, schools are no longer allowed to give the grade 8 statewide math test to seventh-grade students who are being considered for advanced placement in an accelerated high school math course in eighth grade. The change is needed for the state to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act. This policy change does not affect accelerated students and the grade 8 science test, although that policy could change with the 2005-06 school year. Until then, schools can continue to give the science test to seventh-graders who are being considered for a high school-level science course in grade 8. Principals continue to have the discretion to require or waive the test for accelerated grade 8 students who did not take the test in grade 7 but who will be taking a Regents Exam in science at the end of grade 8.
The Guide to State and Federal Standards for Academic Year 2005-2006 was developed by New York Teacher in conjunction with the union's Division of Research and Educational Services. Articles are by John Strachan. Updated June 2005. For updates, read New York Teacher, or go to the Web site at www.nysut.org. Single copies are available while supplies last. Bulk order requests should be made through local union presidents. Write NYSUT Publications, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110-2455; e-mail jmalec@nysutmail.org; or call (800) 342-9810, ext. 6260. Ask for item No. 204/05 from the Publications Department. The complete guide is also available for download at nysut.org/standards. NYSUT, the largest union in New York State, represents more than 525,000 classroom teachers and other school employees and retirees; academic and professional faculty at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. NYSUT.org. Copyright New York State United Teachers. 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, New York, 12110-2455. 518.213.6000.