1. ResourcesOverview
2014 Common Core English Language Arts Tests:
Teacher’s Directions April 1-3, 2014, retrieved
September 12, 2014, from
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/sam/ei/t
d-68ela14.pdf
2014 English language arts tests map to the
standards grade 7. (n.d.). New York State
Education Department. Retrieved September 12,
2014, from
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/ei/item
maps/ccela-14/ccela7im14.pdf
2014 English language arts tests map to the
standards grade 8. (n.d.). New York State
Education Department. Retrieved September 12,
2014, from
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/ei/item
maps/ccela-14/ccela8im14.pdf
Common core English language arts and
mathematics tests: school administrator's manual.
(n.d.). New York State Education Department.
Retrieved September 11, 2014, from
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/assessment/sam/ei/
eisam14rev.pdf
New York state English language arts (ELA) test.
(n.d.). New York City Department of Education.
Retrieved September 12, 2014, from
http://schools.nyc.gov/Accountability/resources/
testing/New+York+State+English+Language+Arts
Test guides for English language arts and
mathematics. (n.d.). New York State Education
Department. Retrieved September 11, 2014, from
https://www.engageny.org/resource/test-
guides-for-english-language-arts-and-
mathematics
• Students in seventh, eighth, and
eleventh grade will take
standardized tests for English
Language Arts. This brochure
discusses the Common Core exams
for seventh and eighth grades only.
•It is expected that all students in
New York State public schools will
take the required tests. There are
some exceptions for English
Language Learners and students
with disabilities. For more
information about the exceptions,
visit www.p12.nysed.gov.
•The test is three days long, with
each day consisting of 90-minutes of
testing.
•The test is based off the Common
Core State Standards that have
been integrated into the classroom
curriculum. Each question focuses
on a particular standard.
•Test results are used to determine
student strengths and weaknesses
and to determine grade promotion.

2. What if a student fails the exam?
The exams can be used to determine
student performance and to make
decisions about grade promotion. If a
student receives a Level 1 or 2 score
on the 7th or 8th grade state test, s/he
will be promoted to the next grade
level, but will receive Academic
Intervention Services to help catch up
to grade level.
How are results reported to parents?
The number of correct answers is
converted into a “scale score,” which
makes it possible to compare a
student’s performance across grade
levels. Schools distribute the test
results to parents, including the
student’s scale score, performance
level, and information on the student’s
strengths and weaknesses in each of
the tested skill areas.
How are the results used?
Teachers and administrators use the
test results to place students in
appropriate-level classes. Scores are
also used to identify areas of strengths
and weakness for students to
determine where extra help or
challenges are necessary in the
student’s learning.
How are the skills necessary for the
exam integrated in the curriculum?
Each of the questions is based on one
of the Common Core State Standards
for grade 7 or grade 8, which students
are utilizing in their ELA classes.
How can I prepare for the test?
Students are learning the material
necessary to pass the tests in their 7th
and 8th grade English Language Arts
classes, but if additional practice is
wanted, practice questions can be
found at
www.engageny.org/resource/new-york-
state-common-core-sample-questions
Are electronics allowed?
No electronics are allowed in the
testing room, including cell phones,
iPods, laptops, cameras, etc.
How is the exam graded and
who grades it?
Teachers and administrators grade the
tests using rubrics, based on the
Common Core State Standards. The
score (Levels 1-4) demonstrates the
student’s current proficiency level. A
Level 3 score indicates proficiency in
the subject and is considered to be on
track to achieve at the college/career-
ready level.
Who takes the exam?
All 7th and 8th graders in New York
State public schools take the exam.
There are some exceptions for English
Language Learners and students with
disabilities.
When is it given?
The testing takes place in the spring
time, usually at the beginning of April.
Tests are scored at the end of April.
How long is the testing?
It is a three-day test, with each day
lasting 90-minutes. If students finish
early, they may review their answers
and/or read a book silently.
What is on the test?
Day 1 includes passages with multiple
choice questions.
Day 2 consists of one passage with
multiple choice questions and two
passages followed by short and/or
extended-response questions.
Day 3 includes passages with short
and extended-response questions.
Each day includes questions about
literacy, including but not limited to
stories, articles, poems, etc.
For more information about the Common
Core state tests, visit www.p12.nysed.gov