Changes to New York State Tests

New York State Education Commissioner MarryEllen Elia announced yesterday that this year’s standardized tests for students in grades 3rd through 8th will be shorter than in previous years. Some reading and writing portions of the English exams will be eliminated, as well as some multiple choice questions from the mathematics exams. The state is currently in the process of switching testing vendors. In the past, the state has used Pearson for their tests, but has just signed a $44 million agreement with Questar Assessment incorporated, to create new, more concise tests.