NYS Grades 3-8 Test Day Checklist (spring 2027)
A short printable checklist to get ready for the New York State tests, calmly.
Grades 3-8 English Language Arts, Grades 3-8 Mathematics, and Grades 5 and 8 Science. Make-ups are given inside the same window. Each school picks its own test days inside the window, so ask your school for the exact days.
NYSAA (the alternate assessment for students who take it): March 8 – June 11, 2027.
Dates from NYSED's 2026-27 Grades 3-8 testing schedule, checked Nov 7, 2026. NYSED can change dates; check the link again in March.
Our test days (ask the school, then write them here)
| Test | Day 1 | Day 2 | Paper or computer? |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELA | |||
| Math | |||
| Science (grades 5 and 8) |
2-4 weeks before
- Ask the teacher: which days, and paper or computer?
- If the test is on a computer, ask the school how your child can try the practice test screen.
- IEP or 504 plan? Check which testing accommodations are written in it.
- English language learner? Ask which testing accommodations your child will get.
- Check the calculator rule for your child's grade (see the calculator table).
- 10 minutes of practice a day beats one long night.
The night before
- Normal bedtime.
- Clothes and bag ready.
- Calculator only if allowed for that day (see table) and the school asked you to bring one.
- Talk about effort, not scores: "Do your best, one question at a time."
Test morning
- Breakfast and water.
- Arrive on time.
- Phones and smartwatches stay home or follow school directions. They are not allowed during state tests.
Calculator rules on NYS math tests
| Grade | Session 1 | Session 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Grades 3, 4, 5 | No calculator | No calculator |
| Grade 6 | No calculator | Four-function calculator with square root, or a scientific calculator |
| Grades 7 and 8 | Scientific calculator | Scientific calculator |
From NYSED's Math Toolkit, "Calculator Use", checked Nov 6, 2026. The school's directions on test day always win.
Tips to share with your child
- Read the whole question, then read it again.
- Cross out answers you know are wrong first.
- Stuck? Skip it, then come back.
- Math: show the steps; check that the answer makes sense.
- Writing: answer the question, give evidence from the text, explain it.
- Finished early? Check your answers.
Official sources
- NYSED, Grades 3-8 testing schedule 2026-27: https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/state-assessment/ei-testing-schedule-2026-27.pdf (checked Nov 7, 2026)
- NYSED, Math Toolkit, Calculator Use: https://nysed.gov/curriculum-instruction/math-toolkit-calculator-use (checked Nov 6, 2026)
- NYSED, Testing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/special-education/testing-accommodations-guide.pdf (checked Nov 7, 2026)
- NYSED, ELL/MLL Assessment and Testing Accommodations: https://www.nysed.gov/bilingual-ed/english-language-learner-and-multilingual-learner-assessment-testing-accommodations (checked Nov 7, 2026)
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