On the front page of today's New York Times comes the news that New York State's 4th-graders did not fare as well on the federal math exams as they did the last time they were tested in 2007; 8th-graders scored only slightly higher than in the past.
We don't yet know how New York City students scored on the National Assessment of Educational Progress test, which is given to a sampling of students every two years, but critics are already comparing the rather dismal statewide results to the much-heralded NYC gains on 2009 state tests and renewing their charge that the state exams are simply too easy.
GothamSchools covers the story, and asks, "If the state tests are easier, how did they get that way?"
Meanwhile, Merryl Tisch, chancellor of the New York Board of Regents, reiterated her vow to raise standards on the state math exams. Both the math and ELA exams will be given later than in previous years. According to the State Education Department calendar, the ELA exams are scheduled for late April; math tests will be given in May.
Has math test prep begun at your school?
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