LINK: ELA Assessment Feedback Tool

This is your chance to share your experiences — both positive and negative — on the state's second year of the English language arts assessment in grades 3-8. How did the ELA impact you and your students? 

NYSUT wants your comments about the test itself, administration and scoring. We'd also like feedback on the changes in testing requirements for English language learners and special education students.

The informal survey, posted online at www.nysut.org, will take only a few minutes to complete.

NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira, who communicates regularly with the state education commissioner and the Regents, said the ELA feedback from members will be forwarded to state policymakers to improve the testing system.

"Specific feedback about the assessment is essential to improve the testing process for all students," Neira said in an e-mail alert to local union presidents.

"We'll share personal stories and reflections, but no names or identifying details," she added. "We want to know what works and should be reinforced, as well as what doesn't work and needs to be changed."

Neira noted it is crucial to hear from as many educators as possible, with broad representation geographically and across grade levels. "It's important for SED to hear from our people who are out in the field," she said. The state has tripled the size of its testing program with the new tests in grades 3-8.

This is the second year for the grade-by-grade tests, part of the state's effort to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act. ELA tests were administered in January, and math assessments are slated for March.

SED has pledged a much quicker turnaround time for test results this year, with results expected by the end of the school year. NYSUT has called for a two-month turnaround time so that data can be used for instructional changes and educational placement decisions.

LINK: ELA Assessment Feedback Tool