Standardized Test Prep in New York
New York standardized testing includes a number of assessments that measure each student’s progress on a number of different subjects each year. The results of New York state assessment tests help parents, educators and administrators understand how both individual students, groups of students, and schools as a whole are performing academically. With the information, schools can determine if additional support and resources are needed for students and/or teachers.
This page includes information on New York state tests, New York state testing dates, how Time4Learning can help your child with New York test prep, and more.
What State Tests Are Available in New York?
New York standardized testing takes place every year for students, typically beginning in third grade. In some instances, testing can begin as early as kindergarten. New York state assessment tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and math are required for students in grades 3-8. In addition, high school students must pass five state exams in order to graduate high school. Below is a list of the current state assessments in New York and general information for each one.
- NY State English Language Arts (ELA) – Students in grades 3-8 take the state’s ELA test every spring. The assessment includes both multiple-choice and open-ended questions based on short passages, stories, articles, and other content that they read.
- NY State Math – Administered each spring to students in grades 3-8, the state math assessment is untimed and like the ELA test, contains both multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
- NY State Science – Made up of two parts: a lab portion and a written portion, both administered on different dates, this assessment is for students in grades 4 and 8. Students must apply their knowledge on a number of scientific concepts on the written portion and demonstrate their skills using equipment and materials on the lab examination.
- NY State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) – Designed for students with severe cognitive disabilities, this New York state test assesses their knowledge in the state’s Essential Elements, alternate achievement standards in ELA, math and science.
- New York State Identification Test for English Language Learners (NYSITELL) – Students new to New York public school who speak a language other than English at home are administered the NYSITELL. Administered within the first 10 days of enrollment, students are tested on their English language skills to determine if they will be identified as English Language Learner and eligible for special services to learn the language.
- New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) – This assessment is administered to students who are identified as English Language Learners in grades K-12. Students are tested on their speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
- New York State Regents – Administered to students in grades 9-12, this test measures student achievement in a number of areas in ELA, math, science, an social studies. In order to graduate high school, students are required to pass five Regent exams.
There is currently no provision in state law that allows parents to opt their children out of New York state assessment tests. Parents interested in opting their children out of New York standardized testing should contact their child’s school principal to discuss their options.
When is Standardized Testing in New York?
New York state testing dates vary from year to year. The New York department of education website will usually publish this information, additionally, school districts as well as individual schools will inform parents of their specific testing dates months in advance.
Below is a general idea of when New York standardized testing takes place.
- NY State ELA – March
- NY State Math – April
- NY State Science – May and June
- NYSAA – March – June
- NYSITELL – Within the first 10 days of school enrollment
- NYSESLAT – April – May
- New York State Regents – January, June, and August
Do Homeschoolers Have To Take Standardized Tests in New York?
New York homeschooling laws require homeschoolers to take part in a norm-referenced achievement test annually beginning in fourth grade. There are a number of approved tests that parents can choose from including a State Education Department test, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, the California Achievement Test, the Stanford Achievement Test, and the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills, just to name a few. The selected test can be administered in a number of locations including a public school, nonpublic school or parents’ home.
From grades 4-8, parents also have the option to submit a written narrative as an alternative form of evaluation every other year. In either instance, results must be submitted with the student’s fourth quarterly report.
How Time4Learning Can Help With New York Test Prep
If you’re looking to help your student prepare for New York’s standardized tests, Time4Learning can help. Our interactive, award-winning curriculum can help students from PreK-12th grade master all those important concepts in math, language arts, science and social studies. Our flexible curriculum offers a student-paced approach so that children can progress at a rate that is best for their unique skills and abilities.
Below are just some reasons why Time4Learning is the right choice for your child’s New York test prep.
- Whether it’s for math or language arts, students can practice for New York state assessment tests with our comprehensive curriculum that correlates to all state standards.
- High school students have tons of course options in math, language arts, science, and social studies so they can prepare for the Regents exams.
- Printable worksheets provide additional practice so students can reinforce the online lessons on the go.
- Students can use the interactive language arts curriculum to practice their reading comprehension, writing, grammar, and vocabulary for the ELA exams.
- With 24/7 access and flexible scheduling, students can log in to practice anytime from any computer with an internet connection.
- Time4MathFacts, included with your Time4Learning membership, can help your child master those important math facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to help them ace their math state test.
- As an IBCCES Certified Autism Resource, Time4Learning can help students with special needs practice for the NYSAA in math, English language arts, science and social studies.
Through preparation and practice, your child can achieve successful results on their New York standardized test scores. In addition, skill-building programs like Time4Learning can prepare your child and build their confidence before they walk in the door.
The software is a game changer!
By Regina
“…she leaped ahead of her peers on her state test when returned to public school, we used it during homebound when there was a mismedication, and use it now as a supplement for a teacher that refuses to teach.”
Additional Resources
- Homeschooling in New York
- New York Homeschool Laws
- New York Homeschool Groups and Co-ops
- New York Homeschool Associations
- New York Field Trips Ideas
- New York Unit Study Supplement
