Please find a copy of the letter emailed home to BMS families of students in grades 6-8 regarding the NYS Spring testing schedule and information below. If you did not receive this email please update your contact information with the main office.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we approach the upcoming NYS Grades 6-8 assessments, I would like to share important information that will help you understand the significance of these tests and what to expect.
Please take a moment to read the BMHS Grades 6-8 NYSED Testing Letter for detailed information about the testing process, dates, and other relevant details. Your understanding and support are crucial as we prepare our students for these assessments.
If you have any questions or concerns after reviewing the information, please feel free to reach out to me.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education.
Warm regards,
Dave
David S. Bernsley
dbernsley@berlincentral.org
Principal
Berlin Middle High School
April 15, 2025
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Dear Mountaineer Community,
This spring, our schools will administer the NYS Grades 3-8 assessments in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science (only for Grade 8). Each exam will be administered computer-based, with students using their Chromebooks, for which they have been prepared throughout the school year.
Grade Level Testing Dates:
Sixth Grade:
- ELA: April 29th & 30th
- Math: May 7th & 8th
Seventh Grade:
- ELA: April 29th & 30th
- Math: May 7th & 8th
Eighth Grade:
- ELA: April 29th & 30th
- Math: May 7th & 8th
- Science: May 5th
The ELA, Math, and Science Tests include multiple-choice and open-ended questions that assess grade-level learning standards. These questions require students to apply their knowledge, read texts, write responses, and solve real-world problems: all foundational skills for success in the next grade.
The results from these assessments provide valuable insights into your child’s academic progress. You can use the score report to discuss additional support with your child’s teacher(s) and ways to enhance your child’s learning at home. The report will compare your child’s performance with peers statewide and highlight specific skill areas. Please note that state test results may differ from your child’s report card, which reflects cumulative performance based on various factors.
We want to emphasize that participation in these assessments is important. When fewer students take the exams, it limits our understanding of how well our students are learning and makes it more challenging to address areas that may need improvement. This can also hinder our ability to provide targeted support for students who may be struggling. We believe that broad participation helps us enhance our instructional program.
Our teachers and staff strive to ensure that students feel comfortable during the exams. We encourage students to do their best. In response to concerns, New York State has implemented several changes to testing, including:
- Fewer test questions: Shorter exams with reduced questions in ELA and Math.
- Untimed tests: Students will have ample time to complete exams at their own pace.
- Increased teacher involvement: More teachers are involved in creating and reviewing exams.
- Results not tied to evaluations: Scores from the 2025 Grades 3-8 ELA and Math tests will not impact teacher evaluations.
We hope this information clarifies how the state testing program evaluates and measures student growth and our performance. Accurate data from these assessments is essential for enhancing our educational practices and addressing any areas where students may struggle.
If you wish to opt your child out of the NYSED assessments, please refer to the attached letter, Opt Out Letter, for instructions and contact me to confirm your decision. If you have already notified me, kindly do so again to ensure proper exam assignment.
In preparation for the exams, we recommend ensuring a good night’s sleep, having breakfast (at home or school), and encouraging students to perform to the best of their ability. Please remind students to charge their Chromebooks the night before, as all exams will be computer-based.
Thank you for your continued support.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at dbernsley@berlincentral.org or (518) 658-1500 x1005.
Warm regards,
David S. Bernsley
Principal
Berlin Middle High School
PDF Copy of Letter
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