NYSED CBT Memo
Computer-based testing has been successfully implemented for elementary and intermediate level testing in 48 states and it is critical that New York now also transition to modern approaches to assessment that are in line with the 21st Century instruction and learning being fostered in the classrooms. There are many opportunities that come with full implementation of CBT and NYSED (NYS Education Department) is exploring ways to harness these benefits once all students are participating in computer-based testing. Throughout the transition, NYSED will work diligently to partner with educators, school staff, community members, and parents to provide all of the necessary support for this critical update to the assessment program.
The model and timeline for the Department's planned implementation are shown below. In Spring 2024, all students in Grades 5 and 8 will be required to take ELA, Math, and Science Tests via CBT. The other grade levels may also participate in CBT, but paper-based testing will be available for these students. In Spring 2025, Grades 4 and 6 will also be required to test via computer for ELA and Math, and finally, all students in Grades 3-8 will participate in CBT beginning in Spring 2026. NYSED strongly encourages all schools, and especially those that have not yet administered CBT, to participate in computer-based field testing in Spring 2023 as field testing offers the opportunity for schools to assess their technology readiness for CBT and provides administrators, teachers, and students an opportunity to become familiar with CBT in low-stakes testing environments.
