TEACHER-DRIVEN CHANGES TO TESTING IN NEW YORK STATE

E4E-NEW YORK RECOMMENDATION CHANGES ANNOUNCED BY NYSED

Expand the use of computer adaptive assessments

900 schools across the state are piloting computer-based field testing.

The state will collect feedback and address issues to expand the computer based testing.

Adjust time limitations for Unique Student Populations

Students who are working productively will have unlimited time on assessments.

A memo with guidance from the state will soon be released.

Eliminate unnecessary and redundant exams

Third and fourth grade ELA exams reduced by one reading passage, six multiple-choice questions, one constructed response, and one essay.

Fifth through eighth grade ELA exams reduced by one English passage, seven multiple choice questions, and one essay question.

Third through eighth grade math tests reduced by up to four questions.

25% fewer students will have to take stand alone field exams.

Release the vast majority of state test items publicly

The state will release at least 60% of the total test items.

The state said it is hoping to eventually release all items that are not a part of the field test.

Incorporate classroom teachers throughout the design process of test items, including item creation and field-testing

156 teachers involved in creation of this springs test.

72 educators reviewed this springs tests

48 other teachers took field questions and created final test forms

36 separate educators reviewed tests forms before print

Plans for all questions to be written by teachers with assistance from Questar by 2018.

For the past two years, Educators 4 Excellence-New York teachers have led from the classroom by creating recommendations to improve testing for all teachers and students.

This school year, the New York State Education Department will begin the rollout of a new process that reflects many of the recommendations presented in None of the Above: A New Approach to Testing and Assessment and Paths for All: Implementing the Common Core for Unique Student Populations.

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