Who takes this test?
In school year 22-23, students in grade eight will take the State Assessment in Science to determine how well they have learned the New York State Learning Standards. Beginning next school year, students in grade 5 as well as grade 8 will take the State Assessment in Science (Spring 2024).
Students in grade seven who have completed all of the material in the Intermediate-Level Science Core Curriculum, and who are under consideration for placement in an accelerated high school level science course in grade eight, may also take the test. If students take the test in grade seven, they will not take it again in grade eight. School principals have the discretion to either require or waive the grade eight Science Test for accelerated grade eight students who will take a Regents Examination in science at the end of the school year.
English Language Learners in grades four and eight must take the State Assessment in Science. Exams are available in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (traditional & simplified), Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, or Spanish. When tests are not available in the student's home language, the test may be translated orally. Students with disabilities may take the New York State Alternate Assessments (NYSAA) in place of the general State Test, if specified on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
When is this test given?
The test is given in two parts: a written examination and laboratory performance examination. In the school year 2022-23, the laboratory performance examination will be given May 23 - June 2. The administration dates for the written examination are June 6 with the make-up exams on June 6-9.
What is on the test?
The Assessment in Science asks students to demonstrate scientific knowledge and to apply scientific concepts, formulate hypotheses, make predictions, or use other scientific inquiry techniques. The grade 8 written examination is timed. Grade 8 students have two hours to complete the written test. The assessments also include a one-hour laboratory performance examination, which tests students’ skill using hands-on equipment and materials to answer specific questions.
How is the test scored?
Exams are scored in-school by licensed teachers. Schools are given guidance that no teacher should score their own students’ exams.
How are the results reported?
The number of correct answers a student gives on a test is converted into the student’s “scale score.” Scale scores are divided into four performance levels. Test results on Individual Student Reports (ISRs) are available to every parent. The ISRs include the student's scale score, performance level, and information on his or her strengths and weaknesses in the different skill areas tested.
For information on where to obtain your child’s results, contact your child’s school.