New York State Testing for 3rd Grade Students

What Standardized Tests Will My Child Need to Take in the 3rd Grade?

The New York State Testing Program administers tests in late spring to K-12 students in public, charter and private schools. These tests are based on learning standards set by the New York State Education Department.

Students with special needs may qualify for other exams. If English is your child's second language, she may need to take the Language Assessment Battery - Revised exam or the New York State English as a Second Language Achievement Test. If your child has a severe learning disability, she may take the New York State Alternate Assessments.

What's on the New York State 3rd Grade Tests?

Students in 3rd grade are administered tests in math and English language arts (ELA). The 2-part math test is given over two days, while the 3-part ELA exam is completed in three days.

Math

For the math test, your child will need a firm understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, measurements, fractions, division, graphs, charts and shapes. The test is presented in multiple-choice and short answer formats. Calculators are not permitted during the test.

English Language Arts

For this test, your child will complete sections in reading, listening and writing. The reading section contains a number of passages with a series of multiple-choice questions about each. For the listening section, students answer questions after listening to a passage being read aloud. For the writing portion, your child is given one essay question and four short response prompts that ask him to write in informative, narrative and persuasive styles.

How Can I Help My Child Get Ready?

Your child will be ahead of the game if she remains on top of all the schoolwork throughout the entire year leading up to the exams. If possible, make sure that she has a clean, distraction-free study space. Stay in close contact with your child's teachers to make sure that she is doing well. If she needs any extra assistance that you are unable to provide, consider tutoring or learning center services.

In the weeks and days leading up to the testing, you can help your child get ready by administering practice exams. Do your best to recreate a testing environment at home by timing her. Use the practice tests to figure out which areas she struggles in and concentrate on improvement in these areas.

Where Can I Find Practice Tests and Other Resources?

The New York State Education Department's Office of Assessment Policy, Development and Administration (APDA) offers printable test books from previous years on its website (www.nysedregents.org). APDA also provides testing schedules, parent's guides and performance standards information. Check with your child's school for additional resources.