Dear Pine Bush Families of Students in Grades 3-8:

Earlier this year, the New York State Board of Regents petitioned the federal Department of Education for a waiver to cancel the Grades 3-8 Math and English Language Arts exams, as well as the Grades 4 and 8 Science exams. While the Department of Education has not denied the waiver, it has not granted it either. For this reason, the New York State Department of Education is moving forward with the assessments. Please note that student performance on the 2021 Grades 3-8 ELA and Mathematics tests will have no employment-related consequences for teacher and principal evaluations.

Due to the current circumstances, the New York State Education Department made some changes this year. There will be only one session of the Grades 3-8 Math and ELA exams, as well as only the written session for the Grades 4 and 8 Science exams. All assessments will be computer-based. The schedule is as follows.

PBCSD 2021 NYS Assessment Dates

• Grades 3-8 ELA: April 21 (Add April 22 if hybrid)
• Grade 3-8 Math: May 4 (Add May 5 if hybrid)
• Grades 4 and 8 Science: June 8 (Add June 9 if hybrid)

Please be aware that the New York State Education Department has stated all exams must be administered in-person. Parents of virtual students have the option of having their child attend in-person to complete the assessments. Busing is available for those within transportation zones. Complete this form  by noon on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 if you are choosing to
have your child come in to take any exams.

Finally, eighth grade students enrolled in Algebra 1 and/or Living Environment are not required to take the Grade 8 Math and/or Science exams. Please inform the building principal if you would like your child to take these exams.

Please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher, principal or me with questions.

Sincerely,

Amy Brockner
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction