PS 130 Hernando De Soto (Manhattan)
Dearest Families,
Please make sure to read the following about the NYS Grades 3-5 ELA & MATH & Grade 4 Science Test.
The deadline to submit the opt-in testing form is next Tuesday, April 13th, 2021. Thank you so much, everyone.
RE: Participation in 2021 New York State Grades 3-8 ELA & Mathematics and Grade 4 and 8 Science Exams
Dearest Families,
As we head into the spring, I know many of you have questions about standardized testing. In a typical year, State exams would be administered to nearly all students in their physical classroom. This year, many of our students are learning remotely, but the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has required that exams must still take place in-person in the school building. It will not be possible to administer state exams remotely. Therefore, we are contacting you to determine if you would like your child to participate in this year’s State exams.
It is very important you let us know if you would like your student to participate in this year’s State exams so that we can prepare and create a testing schedule that ensures the health and safety of all of our students. Please read on for more information about this year’s exams.
What State exams will be administered in the school building?
The Grades 3–5 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics exams, and the Grades 4 Science exams, will only be administered in your child’s school building. All schools will adhere to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. Visit schools.nyc.gov/RTShealthsafety to learn more.
How will you keep my child safe during in-person test administration?
Health and safety are our first priorities. We are asking for you to sign up so we can create testing schedules and room assignments that allow for social distancing protocols.
How do I sign up for the exams?
If you would like your child to participate in this year’s State exams, please notify us by filling out this form at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScZ6XC5e3rHOvV0ZBLZK93OTCWP2SkhIm8S9hasLc7fnfcEeA/viewform by no later than April 13th. If you do not wish to have your child test, you do not have to take any further action.
If we do not hear back from you by April 13th, your child will not participate in state testing.
If my child is already learning in the building, do I still need to sign up for the exams?
Yes. You must let us know if you would like your student to take State exams, whether they are learning in-person or remotely.
My child is fully-remote. Are they expected to come in to take the exams?
No. Students receiving fully remote instruction are not expected to come to school to take the State exams. However, if you would like your student to take the exam, they can be included—just notify us using the contact information above.
If my child does not take the exams, will they be penalized?
No. Any student who does not participate in the 2021 NYS ELA, Math, or Science exams will not be penalized.
When are the exams?
The exams will be administered the following dates at 9:30am on all days:
· English Language Arts: Grade 3 on April 20th, Grade 4 on April 21st, and Grade 5 on April 22nd (These dates are subject to change, and students with special testing accommodations may need to take the test on another day from April 19-29)
· Mathematics: Grade 3 on May 4th, Grade 4 on May 5th, and Grade 5 on May 6th (These dates are subject to change, and students with special testing accommodations may need to take the test on another day from May 3-14)
· Science for grade 4: Monday, June 7th (Students with special testing accommodations may need to take test on another day from June 7-11)
Testing will not occur on May 13, when schools are closed for Eid Al-Fitr.
If I don’t sign up, what will my child do while their classmates are taking the exam?
Students receiving in-person instruction who do not take the exam will continue their instructional program, as will fully remote students.
Are the exams different this year?
Yes. This year, the ELA and Mathematics exams for grades 3 through 5 will be multiple choice only. The Science exams for grades 4 and 8 will consist only of questions that are multiple choice or require a short, written answer. The tests are untimed, but most students will complete the tests in 55 to 90 minutes.
I have more questions. How can I learn more?
The DOE has created a Parent Guide to address commonly asked questions about the administration of the Grades 3–8 ELA and Mathematics and Grades 4 and 8 Science exams in the 2020-21 school year. You can also always reach out to office@desoto130.org with any questions or concerns. We are here to help.
We appreciate your collaboration and flexibility as we continually work to ensure a strong, supportive education for your child and every student in our school community.
Sincerely,
Principal Fong
