I am writing to highlight 3-8 and Regents Exam information that was shared in our March/April school newsletter.

As outlined in the newsletter, this year state testing at the 3-8 and Regents level will take place, but the scores will not be tied to the District's accountability measures and there are several modifications to the format and number of tests. In sum, this is a great opportunity for our students to gain confidence, comfort, and to practice in a testing environment.

The most important thing to highlight is that these testing opportunities will be practice. The scores will not affect our school this year. The data gathered will only be used to help gauge where students are at and to help our teachers make plans for supporting students in the future. We really see this as an opportunity for students to practice and to gain comfort and confidence without the high-stakes pressure. This is a great opportunity for a transition between the challenges of last school year and the slow return to normalcy we've experienced this school year.

3-8 ELA, Math, and Science:

Each content area will take place over one day per subject, rather than the traditional two days of testing. We are excited that for the first time our entire district will be participating in computer-based testing for both ELA and math.

3-8 ELA:

1 Session - Multiple Choice Only

Wednesday, April 21

3-8 Math:

1 Session - Multiple Choice Only

Wednesday, May 5

4th and 8th Grade Science:

Written Test Only

Monday, June 7

Regents Exams:

The Regents Exams that will be given this school year include Algebra, Earth Science, Living Environment, and ELA. As approved by the NYS Board of Regents, all other exams will not be given this school year. Like the 3-8 tests, the Regents Exams that are given will not be tied to the District's accountability score and will also serve as practice.

Our District has a final exam period, including for Regents level courses. We will have more information to come with specifics, including the schedule, but in the courses where a Regents exam will be given (Algebra, Earth Science, Living Environment, and ELA) students will take their local exam and the Regents exam, as they always do. We will also continue to offer students the opportunity to use the higher of the two scores as their sixth score (four quarters + midterm + final exam or Regents exam). This will only help students. If their local exam score is higher than the Regents score, the Regents score is left out entirely due to the waiver. If it is higher than the local exam score, it is the score that is used in their final average. It is our hope that this setting allows students to practice in a Regents Exam setting to do their best

It is very important to underscore that students will only be eligible for the Regents Exam exemptions, just like last year, if they pass the course for the school year. It's very important that all students in Regents-level courses put their all into this fourth quarter of studies. If they fail the course they are not eligible for the exemption and will be required to take the exam in the future. We anticipate Regents Exams returning to normal next school year.

If you have any questions on the Regents exams, please reach out to your child's teacher, Mrs. Cohen, or myself.

Thank you for your continued to your support.

Best,

Ms. Noelle J. Short

Superintendent/Principal