WH Superintendent: 15-30 Percent Drop Expected in Assessment Tests

The following is from West Hempstead School District Superintendent John Hogan:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The New York State English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics Assessments in Grades 3-8 being administered this year are based on the new Common Core Learning Standards.

The assessments have been designed to measure the knowledge and skills students need at each grade level to achieve college and career readiness. This change has brought about significant shifts in what we teach and the way we teach it. Curriculum writing projects over the past year have incorporated these shifts into the instructional program.

During the month of April, for the first time, students in grades 3-8 will take the ELA and Math tests based on these new standards. New York State has created a Common Core Toolkit for Parents and Families. These resources can be found at the following link: http://enuageny.org/parent-and-family resources.

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is anticipating a 15-30 percent decrease in students’ scores from last year due to increased expectations. In a video message Dr. John King, the Commissioner of Education in New York State, has noted:

• The tests will be more challenging and will be aligned with the Common Core Standards.
• Reading passages will be more rigorous.
• Students will be required to use evidence to support arguments.
• Multi-step math problems will test deep conceptual understanding.
• The lower percent of students performing at proficiency (levels 3 and 4) does not mean that students have learned less, but rather that the bar of expectations has been raised.

To listen to Dr. King’s message, go to or click on the following website:

http://www.engageny.org resource common-core-assessment-video-series-how-will-the-tests-be-harder and-what-will-that-mean

The teachers and administrators have been working closely with the students to implement the Common Core Standards and to prepare for the state assessments. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or building principal with any questions regarding the state assessments or the resources noted above. We are confident that, working together, we will ensure the success of our students during this period of transition to the Common Core Standards.

Sincerely,

John J. Hogan
Superintendent of Schools