NYS Grade 3-8 Assessments

  • This spring, the Rochester City School District will administer the New York State Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, and science assessments as follows:

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    Grade Level

    Assessment

    Testing Dates (first day in bold)

    5 and 8

    Science
    (Computer-based)

    Monday, April 7 – Friday, April 11, 2025
    Each school chooses 1 day within
    the 5-day window to administer test.

    3 and 7

    ELA
    (Paper-based)

    Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30
    Makeup through Tuesday, May 6, 2025

    3 – 8

    ELA
    (Computer-based)

    Tuesday, April 29 – Tuesday, May 6, 2025
    Each school chooses 2 days within
    the 6-day window to administer test.

    3 and 7

    Mathematics
    (Paper-based)

    Wednesday, May 7 and Thursday, May 8
    Makeup through Wednesday, May 14, 2025

    3 – 8

    Mathematics
    (Computer-based)

    Wednesday, May 7 ­– Thursday, May 15, 2025
    Each school chooses 2 days within
    the 7-day window to administer test.

    For more than a decade, students have been taking annual NYS assessments. Educationally, they are one of many measures of how well our schools and students are meeting grade-level learning standards. While they do not affect report card grades, the tests can be used as a tool for teachers to learn about their student’s growth and progress towards grade level standards and help them plan for future instruction.

    It is important to understand the testing participation requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the nation’s main education law for all public schools. ESSA requires that every state assess all students in ELA and math in grades 3 – 8 each year and that they hold schools accountable for how students achieve. The law also requires that 95% of students in each public school participate yearly in NYS assessments. If schools do not meet the participation requirement, they cannot demonstrate progress according to ESSA. In other words, a school with good academic performance can receive a negative rating simply because their participation rate is below 95%.

    If you have any questions about the assessments, please contact your child’s Principal. When the testing time comes, we encourage your children to get a good night’s sleep so that they are ready and well-prepared for their assessments. They should not be worried – just relax and try their best!