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Page Title Graphic - Indicators
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Narrative Icon KWIC Indicator(s) and Narrative For:
Student Performance in English Language Arts (ELA) - Public Schools
  • Student Performance English Language Arts - Grade 4 [view data]
  • Student Performance English Language Arts - Grade 8 [view data]
  • Student Performance English Language Arts - Grade 3 [view data]
  • Student Performance English Language Arts - Grade 5 [view data]
  • Student Performance English Language Arts - Grade 6 [view data]
  • Student Performance English Language Arts - Grade 7 [view data]
Data Provider: NYS Education Department

Life Area:
Education
Definition:
New York State has instituted new higher standards for all students in English Language Arts (ELA). To measure students' achievements of these standards, the state adopted new assessments 1998/99 school year than realigned the tests in 2005-06. In 1998-99 through 2004-05 students were assessed in grades 4 and 8 only. Since 2005-06, students are assessed in grades 3-8. The number reported is the number of students scoring at or above proficiency. The percent reported is the number of students meeting proficiency divided by the number of student tested, multiplied by 100.
Significance:
Assessments are offered in English Language Arts at the elementary and middle-levels. English Language Arts is one of the three areas used to determine accountability for schools and districts. The assessments are based on State learning standards for these content areas and grade levels. Raw scores for these assessments are converted to four performance levels: * Level 1: Not Meeting Learning Standards. Student performance does not demonstrate an understanding of the content expected in the subject and grade level. * Level 2: Partially Meeting Learning Standards. Student performance demonstrates a partial understanding of the content expected in the subject and grade level. * Level 3: Meeting Learning Standards. Student performance demonstrates an understanding of the content expected in the subject and grade level. * Level 4: Meeting Learning Standards with Distinction. Student performance demonstrates a thorough understanding of the content expected in the subject and grade level. Students are considered to be proficient if they are achieving at a level 3 or 4. Prior to the 1998/99 school year, Pupil Evaluation Program (PEP) tests were the primary State measures of student performance. A key difference is that the new tests are not minimum competency tests and are now administered to students in all grades 3 through 8. They are more challenging and require students to write extended responses to questions. The tests will help improve teaching in classrooms and focus instruction on the needs of each student.
Findings:
The percentage of students meeting proficiency in English language arts showed an increase for all grades except grade 8 at the State, New York City and, the Rest of State level from 2006/07 to 2007/08. The Rest of State level showed a slight decrease in grade 8 from 2006/07 to 2007/08 (65.2% to 63.1%). The overall State showed a slight decrease as well for grade 8 (57.2% to 56.2%). New York City’s percentage increased slightly however, at grade 8 (42.1% to 43.0%). Overall, the percentage of students meeting proficiency on the English language arts exams tends to be lower as the grade level increases.


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