Hoylman Writes Letter Urging New York State Education Department to Release the Delayed Test Scores for Math and English Language Arts

The letter can be read as an attachment by clicking on the file above.

September 20, 2018

New York State Education Department

89 Washington Avenue

Albany, New York 12234

Dear Commissioner Elia:

I am writing to urge the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) to immediately release the math and English language arts (ELA) standardized test scores for New York public school students.

In prior years, math and ELA test scores have been released electronically in August, leaving parents and students ample time between the start of the school year and middle and high school application season. Nearly one-third of New York City public schools use test-scores for admissions purposes. Therefore, this delay frustrates the ability of parents and students to make informed decisions on which middle and highs schools to apply for next year.

The varying deadlines, open-houses and tours make navigating the middle and high school selection process demanding enough. Students and parents cannot be reasonably expected to make these arrangements in a vacuum without knowing if their test scores align with the admissions criteria of their chosen schools. This problem is compounded for lower-income families who cannot afford the resources that help many parents and students navigate the difficult process of public middle and high school applications.

Furthermore, the lack of information surrounding the decision to delay the test scores is problematic.  Parents of students affected by the delay were forced to find out through media reports, creating more confusion and anxiety.

I respectfully request that you release these test scores immediately. 
 

Sincerely,

Brad Hoylman

New York State Senator

27th Senate District