Tips to help your child achieve success

in the New York State English Language Arts exams

ALBANY, N.Y. (January 2, 2008) -- New York State English Language Arts testing will take place January 8-10 for students in grades 3-5, and January 15-17 for students in grade 6-8.

Students are not required to study particular subject matter since these test are constructed to measure student achievement of New York State Standards. Parents can help their children achieve success by doing the following:

• Make sure you child gets plenty of rest the night before each test

• Be sure your child eats a good breakfast

• Encourage you child to do their best

• Make sure your child arrives to school on time

• Make appointments outside of the school day

• Reassure students to reduce test anxiety

Should you have any particular questions related to the testing, please contact your child’s school.

The City School District of Albany serves approximately 9,000 students in 18 elementary and middle and high schools. The district includes several magnet schools and programs, as well as other innovative academic opportunities for students in addition to neighborhood schools. The district is more than halfway through its comprehensive facilities project to newly build and/or renovate nearly all of its elementary and middle schools. The ultimate goal of the facilities project is to provide schools with the resources necessary to help students succeed in the 21st century.