New York State Staff/Curriculum Development Network S/CDN September 22, 2005

Overview Updates & Plans ELA & Math Career and Technical Education Middle Level Initiative Virtual Learning System (VLS) Q & A

Information Available 1. A Guide to the NYS Grade 3–8 Testing Program 2. Sample Tests 3. Parent Brochure

NYSED Websites Office of Curriculum and Instructional Support Curriculum, Instruction & Instructional Technology NYSED ELA Home Page NYSED Mathematics Home Page

Key Websites Latest News on Grade 3-8 Testing Curriculum questions can be sent to: Office of Standards, Assessment and Reporting Testing questions can be sent to:

NYS English Language Arts Performance indicators for each of grades pre-kindergarten through 12 ELA tests for each of grades 3 through 8 ELA Core Curriculum, with performance indicators and literacy competencies for each of grades pre-kindergarten through 12, learning experiences sample tasks, formative assessments ELA Toolkit Grade-by-grade ELA performance indicators on NYS Virtual Learning System (VLS)

Glossary (for teachers) Sample tasks Instructional strategies Literature suggestions by grade level Lesson plans on Virtual Learning System (VLS) Curriculum Guidance Materials ELA Toolkit

English Language Arts home.htm home.htm

Approximate Percentage of Questions Assessing Each Strand Grades 3-8 Mathematics Strand Grad e 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grad e 8 1 Number Sense and Operations 48%45%39%37%30%11% 2 Algebra13%14%11%19%12%44% 3 Geometry13%14%11%19%12%44% 4 Measurement 13%12%25%17%14%35% 5 Probability13%12%11%16%30%0%

Curriculum Guidance Materials Mathematics Toolkit 8/guidance.htm

Mathematics Resource Center Purpose There is a statewide need to support comprehensive and long term changes in the instructional practices in classrooms that are aligned with scientifically based or evidence-based mathematics research.

Mathematics Resource Center Goals Centralized source for ongoing dissemination of the NYSED’s message regarding standards-based mathematics programs. Identify program success and areas in need of improvement and provide guidance on utilizing successful model programs. Sharing best practices, content knowledge and pedagogy within the mathematics field, informed by scientifically based or evidence-based research. Implementing and promoting professional development models for developing and sustaining a cadre of state/regional leaders responsible for improving teaching and learning of mathematics in New York State.

Mathematics Standards Committee Grades 9-12 Recommendations 1 A Regents examination be developed and administered for each of the three courses (Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra II and Trigonometry). 2. The mathematics graduation requirement for a Regents Diploma be the passing of one Regents examination in mathematics, and the passing of three units of credit of high school mathematics. The Committee also recommended that the credit granted for the Algebra course be limited to two units.

Mathematics Standards Committee Grades 9-12 Recommendations (con’t) 3. The mathematics graduation requirement for a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation be that students take and pass the three courses of high school mathematics, and that the first two cohorts pass two of the three Regents examinations in mathematics and that subsequent cohorts pass all three Regents examinations in mathematics. 4. Ways of rewarding students for taking and mastering more than the graduation requirements be explored and implemented.

Mathematics Standards Committee Grades 9-12 Recommendations (con’t) Status of Recommendations Proposed Timeline Grades 9-12 Mathematics Curriculum Committee

Middle Level Education

Overview Regulation Applications Checklist

Board of Regents Adopt Middle Level Regulation Program requirements & flexibility Experiment in Organizational Change Flexibility in staff assignments

Model Applications September 2006 Due January 13, 2006 Reviews completed March 1, 2006 Website

Middle Level Checklist Available for all non-tested areas Purpose Organization Website:

Career and Technical Education Middle Level Education Career Plan Initiative High Schools That Work Other

Virtual Learning System

New York State Education Department Virtual Learning System (VLS) The VLS is a web-based system designed to provide Pre-K through 12 teachers and administrators with statewide access to useful curriculum and instruction resources. It is focused on the New York State Learning Standards and content connected to them in the areas of the Arts, Career Development and Occupational Studies, English Language Arts, Health, Physical Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, Languages other than English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, and Social Studies.

New York State Education Department Virtual Learning System (VLS) The VLS contains the State’s 28 learning standards with resources and links to sites that support student achievement. Sample tasks (approximately 5000) and lesson plans (approximately 900) related to the standards and performance indicators appear via the site. The VLS is designed to provide users an intuitive interface and easy access to the learning standards and related content. The system has been modified to support grade-by-grade learning and testing as required by the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. A robust search feature facilitates access to content from the Education Department and/or the Gateway to Education Materials (GEM), providing access to thousands of educational resources.

New York State Education Department Virtual Learning System (VLS) Users can become familiar with the State’s learning standards, by choosing a content area, standard, key idea, and performance indicator. On each performance indicator page, users can access learning resources specifically related to the identified student knowledge, skills, and understandings. Links to resources from other educational institutions are included from various Department offices and USNY institutions, such as the Office of Teacher Certification, the State Library, and the Public Broadcasting System. Additional content and links will be added to the VLS on a continuous basis.

For further information, please visit our Website Or Jean C. Stevens, Assistant Commissioner Office of Curriculum & Instructional Support Or Office mailbox: