Shenendehowa Central School

Middle School English

Diane L. DeSilva CAS, Department Administrator

ex. 53104

January 2, 2008

 Dear Parents and Students:

As most of you know, New York State now requires English/Language Arts testing for all students in grades 3-8. Teachers will also be out of their classroom for an additional 2-3 days to score the exams. This will take place between January 30^th and February8^th.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

New York State Language Arts (ELA) Exam grades 6

The exam is spread over three days, Tuesday, January 15, 2008 through Thursday, January 17^th, 2008 and has three parts.  All parts are given during the first 90 minutes of the day on a 90 minute delay schedule. Students will then attend their regular classes after the exams.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008:

Session 1, Part 1: 65 minutes   Students read fiction and non-fiction passages and answer high-order thinking multiple choice questions.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008:

Session 2, Part 1: 60 minutes   Students listen to a passage read aloud by a teacher.  They complete a graphic organizer from their notes; write short (1 paragraph) responses, and an essay.

Thursday, January 17, 2008:

Session 3, Part 1: 70 minutes    Students read two related documents.  They complete a graphic organizer; write short responses, and an essay. 

New York State Language Arts (ELA) Exam grade 7

This exam is given on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 15^th and 16th, 2008 and has two parts. Again, we will use a 90 minute delayed schedule and students will proceed to their regular classes after the 1.5 hour testing segment.

Tuesday, January 15^th, 200*:

Part 1, Session 1: 65 minutes  Students read fiction and non-fiction passages and write short responses.

Wednesday, January 16^th, 2008:

Part 1, Session 2: 45 minutes  Students listen to a selection read aloud by a teacher. They write short responses and correct by editing a paragraph that contains writing errors.

New York State Language Arts (ELA) Exam grades 8

This exam is given on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 15^th and 16th, 2008 and has two parts. Again, we will use a 90 minute delayed schedule and grade 8 students will remain in their testing locations on day one until they complete the test.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008:

Session 1, Part 1: 65 minutes   Students read fiction and non-fiction passages and answer high-order thinking multiple choice questions.

Session 1, Part 2: 60 minutes   Students listen to a passage read aloud by a teacher.  They complete a graphic organizer from their notes; write short (1 paragraph) responses, and an essay.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008:

Session 2, Part 1: 70 minutes    Students read two related documents.  They complete a graphic organizer; write short responses, and an essay. 

General Test Taking Strategies to discuss with your child:

• Attendance is a must! Please get to school on time. Students who miss the exam are required to make-up any parts that they miss and will miss regular classes to do this.
• A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast are very important.
• Dress in layers to stay comfortable.
• Poor performance on this exam could mean a schedule in high school that includes Academic Intervention Services through 11^th grade. Students must take the test seriously and do their best.
• Bring a highlighter to help underline important passages as you read.
• Take your time! The multiple choice questions require higher order thinking skills. Students typically do not use all of the time available to them to think about their answers and go back to the passages for information. They must sit for the entire time, so it is better to use the time to think carefully, rather than rush through and sit and wait for others to finish.

See a sample test and scoring information:

The New York State Education Department’s website has sample tests and answers to frequently asked questions.  SED has posted the 6th, 7th and 8th grade sample tests at the following address:

http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/3-8/ela-sample/home.htm

Here you can click on sample grade 6, 7, and 8 tests, answers keys and scoring guides. The test is scored from rubrics and all responses are scored with a value between zero and 5.  All writing is evaluated for meaning, development, organization, language use and conventions.

Tips for specific sections:

Multiple choice:

• Read carefully
• Take your time
• Refer to the passages frequently
• Be able to justify your answers
• Chose the best answer when more than 1 answer appears to be correct

Listening:

• Listen carefully the first time, take notes during the second reading
• Organize the notes in a way you are comfortable with
• Fill in all graphic organizers
• Use all of the blank lines in the test booklet
• Read the questions carefully (more than once)
• Plan your response
• Proofread your answers and essay

Document-based questions:

• Fill in all graphic organizers
• Use all of the lines in the test booklet
• Read the questions carefully
• Plan your response using information from both pieces
• Proofread your answers and essay

Individual essay prompts:

• Read the question carefully
• Plan your response in writing
• Proofread for meaning and conventions of formal English

The most important suggestion for doing well on this state test is to come with the attitude that you want to do your best.  This alone will help improve your score.  The outcome of this test will determine your future in high school.  It’s up to you! Please contact me or your child’s teacher if you have further questions. Happy Holidays and good luck!

Sincerely,

Diane DeSilva,

Grade 6-8 English/Language Arts Academic Administrator