Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2013, New York State (NYS) began administering tests designed to assess student performance in
accordance with the instructional shifts and rigor demanded by the new New York State P–12
Learning Standards in English Language Arts (ELA). To help in this transition to new assessments,
the New York State Education Department (NYSED) has been releasing a number of test questions
from the tests that were administered to students across the State in the spring. This year, NYSED
is again releasing 2021 NYS Grades 3–8 English Language Arts and Mathematics test materials for
review, discussion, and use.
In February 2021, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic still forcing restrictions on all educational
and learning activities statewide, NYSED submitted two federal waiver requests related to state
assessment and accountability requirements. The waiver requests addressed the unique
circumstances caused by the pandemic that have resulted in many students receiving some or all
of their instruction remotely.
Later that month, the United States Department of Education (USDE) informed states that it would
not grant a blanket waiver for state assessments. However, the USDE agreed to uncouple state
assessments from the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) accountability requirements so that test
results will be used solely as a measure of student learning. Additionally, it was decided that NYSED
would administer only Session 1 of the Grades 3–8 ELA and Mathematics Tests for the Spring 2021
administration and that the tests would include previously administered questions.
The decision to use previously administered test questions in this extraordinary year was based on
guidance from nationally recognized experts in the assessment field and was recommended in a
publication from the Council of Chief State School Officers to state education departments. Reusing
test questions provided the benefit of having established scale scores and stable item parameters.
Using previously administered test questions also ensured that it will be possible to develop new
test forms for 2022 and beyond. Although it was not the driver of the decision, the reuse of
previously administered test questions provided an opportunity for cost savings during these
unique circumstances where the instructional models used by schools varied throughout the State.
For 2021, the entire Session 1 booklet is being released as this is all that students were required
to take. Additionally, NYSED is providing information about the released passages; the associated
text complexity for each passage; a map that details what learning standards each released
question measures; and the correct response to each question. These released materials will
help students, families, educators, and the public better understand the tests and NYSED’s
expectations for students.