Getting Ready for the NYS Tests

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 • April 11 & 12 (Wednesday – Thursday) • Mathematics • May 2 & 3 (Wednesday – Thursday)

5. The ELA Test (Grades 3 & 4) • Session 1 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 www.engageny.org

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?