 About
the Exam:
The
New York State English Language Arts (ELA) test is
administered
to fourth graders in late January
or early February.
New
York State has set higher learning standards for
all students.
To reach these standards, the ELA test
challenges students to demonstrate their ability
to listen attentively, read a variety of
materials, and respond in writing to literary and
informational passages.
The test is administered over three days
and includes:
Session
1:
5 reading passages, 28 multiple-choice
questions, 45 minutes
Session
2:
Part 1:
Listen to a passage – 2 short responses,
1 long response
(basic essay format).
30 minutes.
Part
2:
Write a composition, 30 minutes
Session
3:
Read 2 related passages – 3 short
responses, 1 long response, 60 minutes
The
multiple-choice questions will be scored using an
answer key.
The open-ended items will be clustered
together and assessed using a scoring
guide called
a rubric.
This guide uses a four point system where 4
is the exemplary and students show evidence of
mastering the standards at that grade level.
At the opposite end, a score of 1 indicates
a student is at risk and will need extra support
to meet the standards.
Purpose
of this Site:
This
site is designed to provide useful information
about the NYS English Language Arts Test for
teachers, parents and students.
Becoming familiar with the test format will
take away the “fear of the unknown” aspect of
the test and build confidence in students.
This site is organized around the three
sessions of the exam.
For each session there will be a variety of
resources and activities that can be used.
These resources have been designed as
lessons (L) to be used in a classroom, practice
(P) activities for home or school, or information
for teachers (R), and Literature Connection
(LI) which are books that correspond with the
particular skills that are being taught.
Click on the buttons above to go to the grade
level you want to focus on. |
