Minisink Valley Central School District > Archive > An important message from Christian Ranaudo, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, on the status of NYS ELA assessments
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An important message from Christian Ranaudo, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, on the status of NYS ELA assessments

computerToday, we were prepared to administer the second day of the 2019 New York State English Language Arts Assessment to students.  New York State has contracted with the Questar Corporation to deliver these assessments in a computer-based format.

Yesterday, the middle school, intermediate school and Otisville Elementary experienced minimal issues with the testing process.

Today, however, the middle school experienced major disruptions to the assessment, as did ALL Orange County schools. The New York State Education Department (SED) notified us that Questar was experiencing major technical difficulties. As a result, testing at the intermediate school and Otisville Elementary was also postponed because of these technical difficulties.

Because of these issues, SED has designated tomorrow, Wednesday, April 3 as a CBT non-testing, Administrative Day.

Testing will resume Thursday, April 4.  Because of the technical issues, the new assessment schedule is now as follows:

Minisink Valley Middle School

Grades 7 and 8

Thursday, April 4

Friday, April 5

Otisville Elementary/Minisink Valley Intermediate School

Grade 5

(Day 2 of Testing)

Thursday, April 4

Grade 4

Friday, April 5

Monday, April, 8

Grade 3

Tuesday April 9

Wednesday, April 10

Minisink Valley was thoroughly prepared to administer these assessments, and was equipped to respond and manage these types of technical difficulties. Our consistent and clear focus remained with our students’ wellbeing.   Our faculty and staff were diligent in managing their needs and concerns in a compassionate and positive tone with minimal distractions and, we believe, minimal stress.  They are to be commended for their positive influences and your child remains well-prepared for these assessments because of their efforts.

We will continue to monitor students’ progress and can assure you that we will proceed with the new assessment schedule with the same constructive and positive testing atmosphere.
We appreciate your understanding and for the supportive conversations you will have with your child. Please contact your child’s building principal if you have any questions. Thank you for the ongoing trust you give to us in your child’s education.