New Paltz Middle School

Testing Accommodations for ELLs on NYS ELA and Content-area assessments include:

• Time Extension (all exams): Schools may extend the test time for ELL students on NYS ELA and content-area Assessments and on Regents Examinations. Principals may use any reasonable extensions, such as "time and a half" (the required testing time plus half that amount), in accordance with their best judgment about the needs of the ELL students. Principals should consult with the student's classroom teacher in making these determinations.
• Separate Location (all exams): Schools are encouraged to provide optimal testing environments and facilities for ELLs. NYS assessments may be administered to ELLs individually or in small groups in a separate location.
• Third Reading of Listening Selection (English Language Arts Exams Only): Proctors may read the listening passage three times to ELLs on grades 3-8 English Language Arts assessments and on the Regents Comprehensive Examination in English.
• Bilingual Dictionaries and/or Glossaries: ELLs may use bilingual glossaries when taking State examinations in all subjects except foreign languages. The bilingual dictionaries and glossaries may provide only direct one to one translations of words. Bilingual dictionaries and/or glossaries that provide definitions or explanations are not permitted. Bilingual glossaries in the content areas are available for downloading.

• Simultaneous use of English and Alternative Language Editions are not allowed for English Language Arts Examinations. For state examinations for which the Department provides written translations, ELLs may use both English and an alternative language edition of the test simultaneously. However, they should be instructed to record all of their responses in only one language. The alternative language edition used by the student should be so indicated on the student's answer sheet. Note: There are no translations of English Language Arts examinations.
• Oral Translation for Low Incidence Languages are not allowed for English Language Arts Examinations. Schools may provide ELL students with an oral translation of a state examination when there is no translated edition provided by the Department. All translations must be oral, direct translations of the English editions. Written translations are not allowed. No clarifications or explanations may be provided. Translators should receive copies of the English edition of the tests one hour prior to administration. The Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages and the Regional Bilingual Education Resource Networks can assist schools in locating suitable translators.
• Writing Responses in the Home/Primary Language are not allowed for English Language Arts Examinations. ELL students making use of alternative language editions or of oral translations of state examinations other than the ELA may write their responses to the open ended question in their home/primary language. Scoring the tests is the responsibility of the school. However, the Department's Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages and the RBERNs can assist schools in locating persons who can translate the students' responses into English to facilitate scoring of the answer papers.

• Are there testing accommodations available for Former ELL students? Yes. On September 15, 2008 the NYSED Board of Regents approved extending test accommodations to former ELLs for two additional years after achieving proficiency on the NYSESLAT.