The state Department of Education will administer new standardized English and math exams in Grades 3 through 8 beginning in 2006 – raising the possibility Albany’s tests will replace city exams in determining promotion for all students.
Currently, the state exams are given only in Grades 4 and 8. The city offers its own exams in Grades 3, 5, 6 and 7.
But a new federal law requires the states to conduct exams for Grades 3 to 8.
“Local districts can continue to offer their own tests [in addition to ours] if they so choose,” said state Education Department spokesman Jonathan Burman.
The new requirement forces Schools Chancellor Joel Klein to make a huge decision on whether he will use the state exams or city tests to determine promotion. The issue is particularly crucial for third-graders whose promotion largely depends on their scores.
In the other grades, equal weight is given to classroom grades, attendance and exams.
Klein spokeswoman Eileen Murphy said no decision has been made.