New York State Testing Program - English Language Arts Tests - Teacher’s Directions Spring 2026 - Grades 3–8

Sep 25, 2026

New York State Testing Program guidance for teachers covering English Language Arts computer-based testing in Spring 2026 for Grades 3–8. Provides step-by-step directions, including checks of testing materials, scheduling planning, and preparation of the testing room and students. Includes procedures on security and unauthorized materials, student aid, temporary absence, emergency evacuation, illness, proctoring, and misadministration. Also addresses scoring student writing, scribing, IEP/504 and English learner accommodations, and features of the Nextera™ test delivery system.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages72

Reading Time3 h 1 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

STEP ONE: Check Your Computer-Based Testing Materials

For the Teacher

For Each Student Testing on Computer

Security

Unauthorized Materials

Aid to Students

Temporary Absence from a Testing Room

Emergency Evacuation of a School Building

Student Cheating

Illness

Proctoring

Misadministration

STEP TWO: Plan Your Computer-Based Testing Schedule

Test Format and Schedule

Testing Accommodations for Students with IEPs and 504 Plans

Test Read

Scoring Student Writing

Use of Scribes

More Information on Testing Accommodations for Students with IEPs and 504 Plans

Testing Accommodations for English Language Learners

Computer-Based Testing Accommodations

Classroom Accommodations

General Features and Tools of the Nextera™ Test Delivery System

STEP THREE: Prepare Your Computer-Based Testing Room

STEP FOUR: Prepare Your Students

Practice Tests

Use Standardized Testing Procedures

STEP FIVE: Prepare Computer-Based Testing Materials

New York State Testing Program Grades 3–8 English Language Arts Tests Teacher’s Directions Spring 2026 Grades 3–8 2026 THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK Regents of The University LESTER W. YOUNG, JR., Chancellor, B.S., M.S., Ed.D JUDITH CHIN, Vice Chancellor, B.S., M.S. in Ed ROGER TILLES, B.A., J.D. ................................................................................................ CHRISTINE D. CEA, B.A., M.A., Ph.D WADE S. NORWOOD, B.A SUSAN W. MITTLER, B.S., M.S FRANCES G. WILLS, B.A., M.A., M.Ed., C.A.S., Ph.D ARAMINA VEGA FERRER, B.A., M.S. in Ed., Ph.D SHINO TANIKAWA, B.A., M.S ROGER P. CATANIA, B.A., M.A., M.S., C.A.S., Ph.D ADRIAN I. HALE, A.S., B.A HASONI L. PRATTS, B.S., M.P.A PATRICK A. MANNION, B.A., M.B.A SEEMA RIVERA, B.A., M.S., Ph.D BRIAN KRIST, B.A., M.A., J.D. ......................................................................................... KEITH B. WILEY, B.A., M.B.A FELICIA THOMAS-WILLIAMS, B.A., M.S Beechhurst Little Neck Manhasset Staten Island Rochester Ithaca Ossining Bronx Manhattan Saranac Lake Rochester Brooklyn Fayetteville Slingerlands New York Buffalo Wheatley Heights Commissioner of eduCation and President of the university Betty A. RosA, B.A., M.s. in ed., M.s. in ed., M.ed., ed.d. senior dePuty Commissioner, offiCe of eduCation PoliCy JeffRey A. MAtteson assistant Commissioner, offiCe of state assessment ZAchARy WARneR The State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, military, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, carrier status, disability, genetic predisposition, sexual orientation, and criminal record in its recruitment, educational programs, services, and activities. NYSED has adopted a web accessibility policy, and publications designed for distribution can be made available in an accessible format upon request. Inquiries regarding this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the Office of Human Resources Management, Room 528 EB, Education Building, Albany, New York 12234. Copyright © 2026 by the New York State Education Department. Permission is hereby granted for school administrators and educators to reproduce these materials, located online on the NYSED website ([https://p12.nysed.gov](https://p12.nysed.gov)), in the quantities necessary for their schools’ use, but not for sale, provided copyright notices are retained as they appear in these publications. Table of Contents Introduction ......................................................................................................1 STEP ONE: Check Your Computer-Based Testing Materials ..............................................3 For the Teacher .........................................................................................................3 For Each Student Testing on Computer......................................................................4 Security .....................................................................................................................4 Unauthorized Materials ............................................................................................. 5 Aid to Students ......................................................................................................... 5 Temporary Absence from a Testing Room ..................................................................5 Emergency Evacuation of a School Building ...............................................................6 Student Cheating ......................................................................................................6 Illness ........................................................................................................................6 Proctoring .................................................................................................................6

FAQs

What is the scope of the Teacher’s Directions for Spring 2026?

It provides guidance for administering English Language Arts computer-based tests in Spring 2026 for Grades 3–8.

What key responsibilities are covered in STEP ONE?

STEP ONE focuses on checking computer-based testing materials and includes security, handling unauthorized materials, student aid, absence procedures, emergency evacuation, proctoring, and addressing misadministration.

How does the document address accommodations and the testing system tools?

It outlines testing accommodations for students with IEPs and 504 plans and for English Language Learners, and it describes general features and tools of the Nextera™ test delivery system.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by EvelynWrites