Who takes this test?
Students in grades 3–8 take the State Mathematics Test each spring to determine how well they have learned the New York State Learning Standards for their grade.
English Language Learners are required to take the State math tests, but may take a test translated into Chinese, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, or Spanish. When tests are not available in the student's native language, the test may be translated orally. Students with disabilities may take the New York State Alternate Assessments (NYSAA) in place of the general State test, if specified on their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
What is on the test?
The math test is a timed test that contains a mixture of different types of questions. The first section of the test is multiple choice, and the second and third section consists of short answer and open-ended questions. Students are asked to demonstrate knowledge and skills in five “content areas” and five “process areas.” The content areas specify math knowledge that students should have about number sense and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and statistics and probability. The process areas describe ways of acquiring and using knowledge and include problem solving, reasoning, communication, connections, and representation. See the Academics page for more information about how math is taught in New York City.
How are the results reported?
The number of correct answers a student gives on a test is converted into the student’s “scale score.” The scale score makes it possible to compare performance on the tests across different grades. Scale scores are divided into four performance levels. Students who score at level 3 or 4 have met or exceeded State Learning Standards. Students who score at level 1 or 2 have not met standards and may not be promoted to the next grade level.
Schools distribute test results on Individual Student Reports (ISRs) to every parent. The ISRs include the student's scale score, performance level, and information on his or her strengths and weaknesses in the different skill areas tested. Parents can also see their child’s scores on ARIS Parent Link.
How are the results used?
Teachers and principals use the results from the State math test to help make decisions about whether or not a student will be promoted to the next grade level, and to place students in summer school. Educators also use individual student test results to assign students to the appropriate classes and to identify areas where the student needs extra help, or where he or she may be ready for more challenging material. Teachers and principals also use the results from the whole class, grade, or school, to identify areas where they can improve instruction.