Question about the 3rd grade state testing

Just wondering what the trend has been in your district. I live in Smithtown and my daughter's 3rd grade scores are a little alarming to me.

She is a good student and a bright girl but she only was 2 points above the threshold level for a 3, in the past she was a 4. In addition, she had a pretty strong math score (725), which frankly shocked me. How concerned should I be and what chance do I have if I request AIS for ELA?

I have heard through the grapevine, that there were a lot of surprises this year and that kids who were expected to do well didn't and vice versa.

Would love to hear anyone else's thoughts/opinions. I am thinking of hiring a tutor, but I just feel it's overkill given she "seems" to be doing so well.

Re: Question about the 3rd grade state testing

You will not get AIS if she scored a 3. 3 is "passing"

You could get a private tutor, but you should remember it's just one test (taken on a day when pollen counts were out of control ). I think wait until the parent-teacher conferences and talk to her teacher to see how she is doing.

Re: Question about the 3rd grade state testing

I have looked at NYS scores throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess, informally for a freelance job. And though I had no need to really crunch data, it seemed that 3rd grade scores were not great in general. But the 4-8 scores were much better. It may be that third grade is the first time those kids are seeing that kind of test and, which adds to the challenge.

Also, the 3rd grade test is still relatively new, so the teachers may still be getting the hang of all the ins and outs of the test.

Re: Question about the 3rd grade state testing

There could be many reasons for a low score ( though as a 3rd grade teacher a 3 is passing no matter how close to the cutoff)

1) the tests all changed last year. The State decided to make it harder to get a high score. Many students who were 4s are now 3s and the 3s are now 2s etc

2) Standards are switching over to the Common Core which are also more challenging

3) Depending on your school/principal/teacher, they might not have done [practice tests or test prep.

Re: Question about the 3rd grade state testing

Thanks for the replies. They made me feel better. I have an older child (10th grade) and my perception is that the tests have gotten harder. Thanks for validating my thoughts.

I guess I will hold off on the tutor, and although I will ask for AIS, I know it is probably futile. But I want the school to know that I am concerned.

Re: Question about the 3rd grade state testing

I teach 3rd grade in the city but I thought I'd just add that last year's ELA exam was very different from the year before and teachers didn't get much as far as samples of what to expect. I didn't see as big of a change in the Math test (although that changed as well). So I think some teachers may have just not prepared students as well for what to expect on the ELA exam because they were a little unsure themselves. These are just my personal impressions. But a 3 is a 3 and I'd see how her first semester goes before looking for more help. She may be right on track.

Re: Question about the 3rd grade state testing

Re: Question about the 3rd grade state testing

Hi! I just wanted to add that NYS has implemented RTI (Response to Intervention) as of July 1, 2012. In my district, AIS is a thing of the past and has been replaced by RTI. I don't know where your district stands on the new regulations, but it may change how they handle supplemental services.

Just thought I'd share!

Wishing your daughter a great school year!

Question about the 3rd grade state testing

Both 3rd grade NYS assessments for 2012 were more difficult than in the past. Teachers in my building(which always performs well) was shocked.