Important Letter Re: 8th Grade Standardized ELA Test

Dear 8^th Grade Families:

The Citywide 8^th Grade ELA test is being given on May 4^th and 5^th. It is a two-day test that includes multiple choice, short answer, and extended responses (essays). In April, we will start actual test preparation in class. This will include doing a variety of practice tests and practicing test-taking strategies; however, throughout the year we have been learning and practicing skills needed to do well on the test. Until the test, here are some ways your child can prepare:

1) The more you read, the better you’ll do on the test. Read at least 30 minutes, at least 5 times a week. Read fiction, non-fiction, and poetry books that are at or above reading level. Make sure you are choosing books on or above your reading level. If you need recommendations, let me know.

2) Sign up for after-school test preparation (meets on Thursdays starting March 3; limited seats still available. If interested, call or see Ms. Shelly Cunningham ASAP between 3 and 5 in the main office at 718-369-7603).

3) Be pro-active about performing well in this subject. Educate yourself on the test.

a. Go to ARIS to view your test results from last year: https://arisparentlink.org/parentlink.

You'll need your student's ID (OSIS) number and a temporary password. If you have difficulty accessing ARIS, contact our parent coordinator Audrey Komaroff at akomaroff@schools.nyc.gov or 718.369.7603 x 146 or cell # 347.563.5371. If you have questions about your child’s results, please contact the ELA coach: Lisa Schwartz (ELA coach) – Lisay318@hotmail.com.

b. Do practice tests on-line. These are the actual tests from previous years. Though the format of the test will be slightly different this year (one major difference is the addition of questions on grammar), doing these practice tests will still be helpful. http://www.nysedregents.org/Grade8/EnglishLanguageArts/home.html

c. For results of predictive exams, sign on to https://nyc-acuity.mcgraw-hill.com/index.jsp. Use student’s name as username and student identification number as password. On this site, the students can also do practice questions to help them in the areas they got wrong on the test. The predictive is a condensed version of the new format of the test.

d. Be up-to-date with assignments and lessons in class. Read and follow ELA blog: msgalangenglish.blogspot.com.

e. Make appointments with me for extra help during Zero Period

4) Sign up to do a book club with me Zero Periods every Wednesday and Thursday.

First session, Wednesday March 9. The purpose of the book club is to have in-depth discussions on the text, practice critical reading comprehension skills, have fun, challenge reading practices and thinking, and write responses similar to those on the test.

a. Group 1: Moving Up – required for students who scored a 2 and want to move up to the next level. In this club, we will be reading either Of Mice and Men.

b. Group 2: Reading Challenging Texts to Prepare for High School. This will be conducted by our student teacher, Mr. Records. The text he will be doing is One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey.