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April 23, 2019
Dear Families,
As we wind down the month of March, we are looking ahead to April when our students participate in state tests for Math and ELA in grades 3 through 8. This year traditional pencil and paper tests will be given to our 7th and 8th grade students, while our 3rd to 6th grade students will be taking the computer-based tests. Our students have been practicing on the computers this year and are ready and excited for the exams.
Participating in New York State tests helps your child in important ways, including:
- Providing specific information about individual academic performance which helps us determine which students may be at risk of falling behind and not graduating or graduating on time. This helps us put services in place to help these students meet their academic goals.
- Providing general information about student performance which we can use to improve our curriculum and daily instruction.
- Providing students with important experience that will help them perform better on later exams such as Regents exams in High School and college entrance exams.
New York State requires us to test all students and requires a participation rate of 95% for us to be able to demonstrate adequate yearly progress. Not meeting this mark can have an adverse effect on our school and its reputation. To avoid this situation, we must reduce our number of opt outs to zero.
We understand why, at one time, parents felt it was in the best interests of their children to “opt out” of testing. Since that time, important changes have been made. Your voices were heard.
- The tests have been shortened to 2 days reducing the number of questions and the amount of time students spend on the tests.
- The tests are untimed, lessening the stress for students.
- Test scores do not impact teacher and school evaluations.
For these reasons, it is important for you to know all students need to participate in testing this spring.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. I would be happy to set up a time to meet with you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Barber
Principal
Ed Smith School Vision
To be the most improved school in the district - where EVERY child learns and grows.
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