Much At Stake as NY Tests Students in its Schools

It's a big week for New York State's elementary school students and their teachers, as we hear in this report from WAMC's Dave Lucas…

For three days beginning today, students in grades 3 to 8 will hunker down with No. 2 pencils to take the state standardized tests in English Language Arts.

Next week, they'll tackle standardized math assessments.

Under a new state law, student performance on the tests will now account for as much as 40 percent of annual reviews for certain teachers.

The tests will also include for the first time potential questions for future tests, which after this year will incorporate new "common core" standards. The standards are intended to better prepare students for college and careers.

Results are expected in July.

Dave Lucas, WAMC News.

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