As always, the New York State Assessments will take place this spring in three subject areas: math (Gr. 3-8), English language arts (Gr. 3-8), and science (Gr. 5 & 8). We are always seeking to improve at Franklin and one area we see room for improvement is test participation. Franklin historically has had a low test participation (and high test refusal). Maximizing our test participation will have a positive impact on our students and schools in several different ways.
I understand there are varying opinions regarding test participation but I would like to provide you with how we utilize these assessments to help your child and prepare them to succeed for the future and also provide you with the school and teacher perspective.
There are direct benefits for students choosing to take the NYS assessments as well. This formal testing experience is very similar to what students will encounter when they sit for the mandatory high school Regents Exams as well as the SAT and ACT exams, which can affect a student’s college options. Depending on what path students follow after graduation, this kind of formal testing is often something they face in future years as well such as the civil service exam or trade school assessment. Although students engage in routine assessments as part of the everyday instructional framework, that kind of formal testing experience isn’t replicated at any other time. For this reason, children might find themselves better prepared for success on later tests if they have taken the NYS Assessments.
We have seen major changes and improvements to the NYS Gr. 3-8 Assessments over the past few years. One concern regarding this testing was that it was originally tied to teacher evaluations, but this is no longer the case. Tests are no longer timed and the testing window was shortened from three days to two at the elementary level. Additionally, accommodations have been facilitated for students with disabilities.
These assessments also help teachers gauge the level of student understanding of the material and whether additional support or attention is needed. The NYS Assessments provide a deeper look into how student performance compares across all schools, not just here in our school but throughout the state. Our staff work extremely hard to understand and analyze data from assessment results to improve instruction and identify necessary supports for students. If many students do not participate in the assessments, it makes this data less reliable and we are not able to make as well-informed decisions.
Additionally, test participation impacts Franklin Middle’s accountability designation, which is how New York State rates us and our performance. It is also how the state determines whether any targeted support is needed. The NYS assessments are a significant factor when determining Franklin's accountability status, so it’s beneficial for assessment data to be as accurate as possible by maximizing participation.
It is our responsibility as educators to position students for success and to make sure we are providing the best possible instruction and support. Working to increase our test participation rate is a key component in working toward these objectives.
