WI Students Facing Longer State Tests

Elementary and middle school students in West Islip will spend more time this spring completing their New York State issued standardized math and language arts tests, according to a report in The New York Times.

In a recent memo to superintendents and principals across New York, State Education Commissioner John B. King said testing times for third grade math would be extended by as much as 70 minutes and by as much as 25 minutes for third grade language arts, The Times reported.

While the added time might seem challenging, especially for younger students, West Islip school officials do not anticipate any problems.

“We don’t see this having a negative impact on students,” said Superintendent Richard Simon, adding that he felt spreading the tests out over three days rather than trying to squeeze the tests into days would be less stressful on students.

Simon also noted the extended testing time will not have an impact on the school district’s budget since all tests are given during normal schools hours.

According to the memo from King, which is posted on the State Education Department’s website, the third grade math will be given over three days and take 170 minutes in total. The language arts test for third graders will also now be given over three days covering a total of 175 minutes.

Language arts and math tests for students in grade four through eight will be 180 minutes in length and also spread out over three days.

In his memo, King said the state ELA and math tests given at the third through eighth grade levels are going to be more comprehensive to better determine student learning and to improve future assessments.

While the tests will include a greater number of questions for students, youngsters will also be given more time to complete the tests, according to King’s memo.

Statewide exams will be administered in late April.