The New York State Mathematics Test is administered to eighth grade students in early May. Seventh grade students being considered for  placement in an accelerated high school program may also be tested. The purpose of this test is to find out which concepts have been mastered in  grades 5-8 and which need further development. This is a timed test that is to be administered under standard conditions. The test will be given on two consecutive days and includes multiple choice questions, short response, and extended response questions.

The multiple choice component presents students with questions utilizing a variety of skills. These are followed by response options, one of which is correct.

  The short and extended response questions require students to write (rather that select) an appropriate response. These questions will allow students to take different paths to a solution and to use different strategies.

Each student will have an envelope containing one set of punch out manipulatives to be used during the test. For grade 8 this consists of a ruler and a protractor.

  Session 1, Part 1: (Test  Book 1) 27 multiple choice questions with four options: Students fill in circles on answer document. Students will have 35 minutes to complete this part of the test, with 5 additional minutes provided for prep time. A five-minute break may be given before proceeding to Part 2.

  Session 1, Part 2: (Test Book 2) Short and extended response questions: Students write their answers directly in Test Book 2. Students will have 35 minutes to complete this part of the test, with 5 additional minutes provided for prep time.

  Session 2: (Test Book 2) Short and extended response questions: Students write their answers directly in Test Book 2. Students will have 70 minutes to complete this part of the test, with 5 additional minutes provided for prep time.  A five-minute break may be given halfway through Session 2.

Purpose of this Site: This site is designed to provide useful information about the NYS Math 8  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 seven key concepts of math, according to the New York State Education Dept., for each grade, 5-8.  The seven key concepts are: Mathematical Reasoning, Numbers and Numeration, Operations, Modeling/Multiple Representation, Measurement, Uncertainty, and Patterns and Functions. Each key concept has activities and resources developed for each grade 5-8. These resources have been designed as:

Lessons (L)- These are tutorials that students can go through to gain a better understanding of the individual skills needed to be successful on the exam.

Practice (P)- These practice pages are for the students to use to see if they have grasped an understanding of the lesson. These practice pages typically give immediate feedback to the students.

Interactive (I)- These pages are typically practice pages that are highly interactive. Students can engage in these activities to help test their knowledge of the skills taught.

Teacher Resource (R)- These pages provide ideas for both parents and teachers. These pages can consist of ideas and/ or activities that can be prepared for the students to help enrich their understanding of the skills taught.

Literature Connection (LI)- These are pages which highlight books that correspond with the particular concepts that are being taught. These pages may also have activities that you can incorporate into your classroom instruction when using the books.

 Click on the buttons above to go to the grade level you want to focus on.