NYSUT is asking members who administered the grades 3-8 state tests in math and English language arts (ELA) to take a quick, 10-question online survey about their assessment of the revised exams.
Were the questions appropriate for the grade level? Were the tests more rigorous, less rigorous or about the same as exams in past years? Was there enough time for students to answer the additional questions?
"This feedback from the field is more essential than ever as we fight inappropriate use of tests that even the chancellor and commissioner of education have acknowledged have been far from perfect," said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira. The union initiated the survey after receiving mixed comments on the State Education Department's effort to recalibrate this year's tests, cover more content and make them less predictable.
The ELA and math tests, which used to be administered in January and March, are now given in May. Last year, SED raised cut scores for what it means to be proficient, meaning thousands of students did not meet the math and ELA proficiency standards in 2010 compared to previous years. Results for this year's tests were expected to be released in late June or early summer.
The NYSUT survey results will be used to provide information to policymakers and to parents, Neira said. To participate, go to www.nysut.org. The surveys are posted under "The latest" column at the right.