The following letter was posted on ParentSquare for parents/guardians of students in grades 3-8 on Monday, March 24.
Dear Families,
The New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Exams and the Grades 5 and 8 Science Exams will be administered in the spring. These tests are required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015.
The state assessments are designed to measure how well students are mastering the learning standards that are used to guide classroom instruction and better help us ensure that students are on track to graduate from high school with the critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning skills needed for success in college and the modern workplace. The assessments also show how schools and districts are progressing with the learning standards and the results can be used to support future curriculum writing initiatives, professional dialogue and planning, as well as the development of targeted professional development for teachers. These assessments are based on the learning standards that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do at various grade levels in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics and Science.
This year the East Greenbush Central School District will administer all of the 3-8 assessments using a computer-based testing format. All students will take the assessments on their district issued chromebooks.
Over the past month, our schools administered abbreviated practice tests on chromebooks to evaluate our processes including wifi bandwidth and technical support. Those practice tests went very well with no issues.
Information about the 2025 state tests is listed below:
- Each grade level will have two testing sessions on consecutive days.
- Tests will be untimed. Students will be given as much time as they need to complete them within the confines of the regular school day.
- The tests were developed with input from teachers throughout the state to ensure that the tests are appropriate measures of student achievement of the New York State Learning Standards.
- All students are expected to participate in state tests as part of the core academic program.
- Breakfast and lunch will be served at all schools on testing days.
English Language Arts
| Grade Level | Date |
| 3 – 5 | April 8-9 |
| 6 – 8 | April 30-May 1 |
Mathematics
| Grade Level | Date |
| 3 – 5 | April 29-30 |
| 6 – 8 | May 5-6 |
Science
| Grade Level | Date |
| 5 | May 12 |
| 8 | May 14 |
While we understand that some students may find testing stressful, we want to assure you that we will do everything possible to create the most appropriate testing environment for all children. The information gained from this testing helps us to evaluate our program, and, more importantly, better plan our students’ academic programs in the upcoming school year.
You can find more information about the State tests on the State Education Department’s website (http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/ei/eigen.html).
Sincerely,
Roy Stiles
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction