Standardized testing in New York public schools will now fall on uniform dates throughout the state, and mathematics assessments for grades 3-8 will take place a month earlier, in April instead of May.
The uniform testing dates were established as a preventative measure against cheating.
“[It] helps ensure the integrity of the exams and, by extension, the results,” New York State Commissioner of Education John King, Jnr. wrote in a letter posted in the Office of State Assessment website. “Tainted testing only damages the very students we’re trying to educate.”
Due to the new teacher and principal evaluation system, which was approved by the Board of Regents earlier this year, assessments need to be completed and graded, with the results distributed to the field by June 15. In order to meet the deadline, the testing schedule has been moved forward to accommodate.
Because of this change, some districts will have to alter the curriculum to fit the schedule.
“I recognize the increased stress this places on our systems and teachers and students in particular. ... I apologize for these complications, but this is an unavoidable and necessary adjustment,” King wrote.
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