Mexico Schools To Utilize Computer-Based Testing For Some NYS Exams

MEXICO – The Mexico Academy and Central School District is one step ahead of future changes to the New York State Testing Program.

Next month, the district will begin the transition to computer-based testing when students in grades three through six take their New York State English language arts exams.

Mary Beth Horn, MACS assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said by the year 2020, NYS will eliminate paper-based testing and require 3-8 ELA and math state exams to be given and submitted digitally.

MACS will utilize a combination of laptops and iPads for now, although the district may transition to a singular option in the future.

While students in seventh grade and eighth grade will complete their ELA exams on paper this year, Horn said limiting the computer-based option to students in grades three through six will help the district test the waters.

Administration anticipates moving to full computer-based testing next school year.

Computer-based ELA testing will occur over several days.

Those testing dates are: April 10 and 11 for grade five, April 11 and 12 for grades three and four, and April 16 and 17 for grade six.

Students in grades seven and eight will complete paper-based ELA exams on April 12 and 13.

Paper-based math tests will be given on May 1 and 2 for all students in grades three through eight.

Horn said the change in state testing dates also changed parent-teacher conference dates.

Afternoon PTCs will take place on April 9 and 20, while evening conferences will also be offered on April 9.

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