Extension of Grade 8 English Language Arts Testing Period January 2004
In anticipation of the adverse impact of severe winter weather, the Department significantly increased for the current school year the number of days that schools may administer the Grade 4 and Grade 8 English Language Arts Tests. However, severe weather conditions in many parts of the state have led to school closures and high absentee rates, making it difficult for schools to complete the testing by the end of the make-up period, January 23.
Based on current forecasts, we are optimistic that improved weather conditions during the week of January 19 will permit the completion of the Grade 8 English Language Arts Test in Syracuse and statewide no later than January 23. Because of the extension of the official test period to that date, however, some make-up opportunities to allow for student illnesses, heating system breakdowns, inclement weather, and other unforeseeable emergencies are necessary. The Department will, therefore, permit the make-up period to extend to no later than Monday, January 26, 2004. Please note that all schools must comply with the key dates and security measures specified in the School Administrator’s Manual for Public and Nonpublic Schools, which can be found at https://www.p12.nysed.gov/osa/sam/ela-sam-09.pdf.
On a related topic, please be advised that the Grade 8 Science Performance Test may be administered through the end of January, which may provide some flexibility in scheduling for schools with large numbers of eighth-graders taking the English Language Arts Assessment this week.
If you have any questions, you may send them to emscassessinfo@mail.nysed.gov.