In New York, schoolchildren were allowed not to take exams: what you need to know

New York City public school officials have allowed students in grades 3-8 to opt out of state exams this year without penalties, and families must notify their schools if they wish to take tests. Writes about it Gothamist.

Otherwise, all students will not participate in this year's tests by default, the Department of Education announced.

According to the Department of Education, the new policy is only valid for this school year in recognition that the COVID-19 pandemic has hampered education.

The deadline for student registration for testing is April 15 for the ELA test for grades 3-8, April 29 for the math test for grades 3-8, and May 28 for the science test for grades 4 and 8. All students, whether they are part of distance learning or hybrid learning, can sign up for the test.

In accordance with state guidelines, schools will be able to administer tests over several days, starting with an English test for grades 3-8 from April 19-29. The math test for grades 3-8 will be on May 3-14, and the science test for grades 4 and 8 will run from June 7-11.

“We understand that our students are faced with many different circumstances due to the pandemic, and in line with NYS Department of Education guidelines, we will only offer exams to families who want to,” said New York City Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter ... "Schools will be sending information on how families can register and we will work closely with our school communities as they prepare to safely administer tests for those who choose to participate this year."

New York City students routinely take state tests every year from grades three through eighth and once in high school to provide student learning data and identify lower performing schools and take action.

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Last year, the federal Department of Education allowed states to skip mandatory testing due to the pandemic. But the administration of US President Joe Biden has ordered states to resume standardized tests this year, although states have been given flexibility in how they administer tests and to what extent individual schools are held accountable for results.

Several states, including New York and New Jersey, have again been asked this year to drop standardized test requirements because of how difficult it is to administer them during a pandemic, but federal officials said tests need to be resumed to assess potential loss. knowledge.

Students who come for testing will be asked to abide by safety protocols such as social distancing and masks, and must undergo a health screening to enter the school building, the Department of Education said.

What you need to know

The city's Department of Education has released a guide for schools, which only applies to the 2020-2021 school year, in order to plan for the health and safety of students and staff, writes Silive.

In previous years, English exams in arts and mathematics were two days. This year alone, there will be a part of the first day or a multiple choice part.

Science exams for grades 4 and 8 usually included a test and a written assignment. But this year, science exams will only consist of multiple-choice questions or short written answers.

What to do if your child learns completely online

Remote students can take exams, but must go to the school administration to obtain permission. The New York State Department of Education (NYSED) requires exams to be conducted in person at the school building, and remote administration of State exams is not possible.

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Students who fail the exams will continue their studies.

Is it safe to take exams in school buildings

All schools will comply with coronavirus health and safety protocols, including adequate personal protective equipment.

Flexibility in testing dates allows schools to schedule student testing for several days when needed. School staff will schedule observation and room assignments to accommodate social distancing.

What to do if my child's school building or classroom is closed on test days

If a class is closed on a test day, students in that class will not take exams on that day and will be tested on another day when the class reopens. If the class does not open during the testing period, then students will not be tested.

The same protocol will be followed if the school building does not open during the testing period. In this case, students will not be tested.

Will it affect middle and high school admissions?

Some middle and high schools have academic screening programs that use exam scores as admission criteria. Given the impact of COVID-19, the way these schools assess their exam results has been modified for admission in the 2021-2022 school year.

There are no details about the new reception system yet, but it is expected soon.