Update on the Learning Standards and State Assessment System. Memorandum

This field memo to all teachers and administrators of public and nonpublic schools is the first of three in a series of updates from the Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Elementary, Middle, Secondary, and Continuing Education on standards and assessments in New York. This document contains information on New York's learning standards and the new state assessment system, highlighting changes teachers and administrators will find for 1998. The 28 state standards in the 7 subject areas are linked to curriculum and new assessments through classroom practice and student performance results. The new tests, which replace previous examinations in mathematics, reading, writing, and social studies, aligned across grade levels. New graduation requirements will be in place for the class that enters ninth grade in 2001; meanwhile, the Regents Competency Tests are being phased out. Passing scores are defined for the phase-out period, and graduation requirements are outlined, including those for languages other than English. The booklet also describes the development of the new examinations, the assessments for the various subject areas, and the assistance that will be provided for teachers. It identifies sources of additional information about the learning standards and the new assessments. (SLD)