New York State Tests & Assessments

Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Tests

Every spring, the Grades 3-8 English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Tests are administered to students across New York State. These annual ELA and math tests for students in grades 3-8 are required by the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015. The tests are designed to measure how well students are mastering the learning standards that guide classroom instruction and help to ensure that students are on track to graduate from high school with the critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning skills needed for success in college and the modern workplace. The tests also show how schools and districts are progressing with the learning standards and can support professional development for teachers. Below you will find information about the tests. 

Fewer Test Sessions 

  • Like the 2019 tests, the 2021 Grades 3-8 ELA and Math Tests are two sessions each. 
  • With fewer test sessions, each test will have substantially fewer questions than in recent years, lessening test fatigue for students and better enabling them to demonstrate what they know and are able to do. 

Untimed Tests 

  • Like the 2016 – 2019 tests, the 2021 Grades 3-8 ELA and Math Tests will be untimed. (The 2020 3-8 Assessments were cancelled due to COVID-19)
  • In general, this means that as long as students are working productively, they will have as much time as they need to complete each test session, within the confines of the regular school day. 
  • Schools and districts have discretion to allow students to read silently or quietly exit the room when they have completed their test while others continue to work. Test Questions Reviewed and Written by New York State Teachers 
  • Teachers from across the State serve on committees to write, evaluate and select questions for the tests. 
  • Hundreds of New York State educators were involved in creating and reviewing questions for 2019 Grades 3-8 ELA and Math Tests and selecting the questions for the test forms. 
  • This year, most of the test questions were written by New York State teachers specifically for the annual New York State tests. Providing Results for Teachers and Improved Resources for Parents 

Any additional questions about the testing process, please contact your child's school.

  • Port Jervis High School Main Office:  845-858-3100, Ext. 1500
  • Port Jervis Middle School Main Office: 845-858-3100 ext. 2500
  • Anna S. Kuhl Elementary School Main Office: 845-858-3100 ext. 3500
  • Hamilton Bicentennial Elementary School Main Office: 845-858-3100 ext. 4500

New York State Testing Web Site

More information on New York State Testing is available on the NY State Education Department's Official Website