THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

Candace Shyer, Bureau Chief
Test Development
Office of State Assessment

To:

Principals of Public and Nonpublic Secondary School

From:

Candace Shyer   

Subject:

January 2008 Regents Examinations and Regents Competency Tests

This memorandum provides information concerning the format, content, and credit allotment of the Regents Examinations and the Regents Competency Tests to be held in January 2008. Please make the information for each subject area available immediately to the teachers who will be administering these examinations.
The publication, Regents Examinations, Regents Competency Tests, and Proficiency Examinations:
School Administrator’s Manual, 2001 Edition, contains the general procedures to follow in
administering these examinations. This manual is available on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/hsinfogen/hsinfogenarch/sam2001.pdf.
Included in the shipment of nonsecure materials are four Information Booklets pertinent to the scoring of the Regents Examinations administered in January. These booklets address the scoring of Regents Examinations in the following content areas: English, Mathematics A and B, the Sciences, Global History and Geography, and United States History and Government. The package of nonsecure test materials that will be shipped to school principals for the January examination period will include two copies of each of these four publications. School administrators should photocopy these booklets and distribute copies to school personnel who will be involved in the scoring of these examinations.
A separate booklet, Directions for Administering Regents Examinations, January Administration,contains specific instructions for administering each Regents Examination. Each Regents Competency Test also has separate detailed directions for its administration and scoring. All persons involved in administering the January 2008 examinations must read these specific directions prior to the examination. Copies of these directions are included in the shipment of nonsecure examination materials.
Thank you for your cooperation.

PLEASE NOTE: The Following Policy is in Effect
for All Secondary-Level State Examinations.

Use of Communication Devices

At the beginning of each test administration, proctors must read the following statement to all students taking secondary-level State examinations:

For Principals and Proctors:
Any student observed to be using any communications device while taking a State examination must be directed to turn it off and put the device away immediately. To allow for all possible outcomes of procedural due process, the student should be allowed to complete the examination.
The incident must be reported promptly to the school principal. If the principal determines that the student was using a communications device during the test administration, the student’s test must be invalidated. No score may be calculated for that student.
The incident must be reported in writing to the Office of State Assessment, as is the case for all testing irregularities, misadministrations, or other violations of State testing policy and procedures.

_____________________________

Note: Some students with disabilities may use certain recording/playback devices only if this accommodation is specifically required as a provision of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Accommodation Plan (504 Plan). If not, the general policy on communications devices as provided above is in effect, and the school may not allow the use of any such equipment.

ENGLISH

Regents Comprehensive Examination in English
The January 2008 Regents Comprehensive Examination in English is similar in format to the examination administered in June 2007. The examination will be administered in two 3-hour sessions on separate days. To complete the examination, students must attend both sessions. Session One includes a listening comprehension part. School administrators should take this factor into consideration when making plans for the examination administration. Distribute the directions for administering this part, printed on blue paper, to the proctors one hour before the scheduled starting time so that proctors will have sufficient time to become familiar with the dictation materials prior to the start of Session One of the examination.
Session One has two parts. For Part A, students are to listen to a speech, answer six multiple-choice questions, and use information from the speech to write a response for a specific purpose and audience. For Part B, students are to answer 10 multiple-choice questions based on text and material presented in a graphic form (e.g., chart, table, illustration) and use information from both to write a response for a specific purpose and audience.
Session Two has two parts. For Part A, students are to answer 10 multiple-choice questions based on two literary texts and then write an essay discussing a controlling idea and the authors’ use of literary elements and techniques. For Part B, students are to interpret a statement provided to them about some aspect of literature and write an essay using two works they have read to support their interpretation of the statement.
The following tables show the types of questions and the credit allotment for each part of the examination.
January 2008 Regents Comprehensive Examination in English
Session One

January 2008 Regents Comprehensive Examination in English
Session Two

Before allowing students to begin each session of the examination, have them check the cover of the examination booklet to be sure it has the correct title, date, and time.
A scoring key for each session contains the answers to the multiple-choice questions, scoring rubrics for each part, annotated anchor papers for each score level for each written response, and prescored practice papers. A chart for converting students’ raw scores to scaled scores will be provided on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa. The scaled score is the student’s final examination score. Because the scaled scores corresponding to raw scores change from one administration to another, it is crucial that scorers use only the conversion chart provided for the January 2008administration to determine the student’s final score.
The Information Booklet for Scoring the Regents Comprehensive Examination in English provides further information about the scoring of this examination. This booklet is provided to each school in the shipment of nonsecure test materials and is available on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/hseng.html. This booklet includes detailed procedures for training scorers, resolving discrepant scores, and managing the logistics of the scoring process. School administrators should provide a copy of this booklet to all school personnel involved in coordinating the scoring of the Regents Comprehensive Examination in English prior to the date of Session One of the examination.
Online Teacher Evaluation Form
Suggestions and feedback from teachers provide an important contribution to the test development process. The Department provides an online evaluation form for State assessments. It contains spaces for teachers to respond to several specific questions and to make suggestions. This form is posted at www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/exameval.

Regents Competency Test in Reading
The January 2008 Regents Competency Test in Reading is similar in format to the test administered in June 2007. It uses the Degrees of Reading Power (DRP) test methodology to measure a student’s ability to understand written material. It contains a total of 10 nonfiction prose passages and 70 multiple-choice test items, numbered 1–70. Each test item has five choices, labeled a, b, c, d, and e.
Before allowing students to begin the test, have them check the cover of the test booklet to be sure it has the correct title, date, and time.
A student’s raw score on the test is the total number of items that the student answers correctly. The student must obtain a raw score of 47 in order to pass the January 2008 test. The passing score is printed on the scoring key.
The shipment of nonsecure test materials provided to each school includes special directions for administering and scoring the Regents Competency Test in Reading. Each person involved in the administration of the examination should become thoroughly familiar with these special directions prior to the date of administration.

     
Regents Competency Test in Writing
The January 2008 Regents Competency Test in Writing is similar in format to the test administered in June 2007. It is designed as a direct measure of a student’s ability to organize and present ideas in written form. The tasks are set in a context that is related to the experience of students and that clearly indicates the purpose for the piece of writing and the specific audience for whom the piece is intended.
The test consists of three separate writing tasks: a business letter of complaint, a report based on information provided, and a composition. The Part III composition may be expository, narrative, descriptive, or persuasive in purpose. Teachers should keep in mind, however, that rarely are tasks purely of a single type. For example, a task might require students to describe an object and then explain something significant about it or narrate an incident related to it. Whatever the purpose(s) of the task, information provided to the students makes clear what is expected.
Each of the three tasks requires a relatively brief piece of writing, about 100–200 words. For each task, students are directed to prepare a first draft and then to edit and revise the draft before producing their final response. Students are to write their final responses on special answer paper provided by the Department.
Before allowing students to begin the test, have them check the cover of the test booklet to be sure it has the correct title, date, and time.
The rating guide, printed on yellow paper, contains a detailed outline of the procedure to follow in rating the students’ answer papers. It also contains criteria for rating each of the three writing tasks. The criteria for the letter and the report remain the same for all administrations of the test; the criteria for the composition are task-specific for each new administration.
The shipment of nonsecure test materials to the school includes copies of the detailed directions for administering and scoring the Regents Competency Test in Writing. These directions, printed on white paper, contain specific instructions that the proctors who administer the test are to read to the students verbatim.
__________
Please direct questions concerning examinations in English to Karen Kolanowski or Marguerite Pileggi in the Office of State Assessment at 518-474-5912.

LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH

Regents Comprehensive Examinations
The January 2008 Regents Comprehensive Examinations in languages other than English are offered in French and Spanish only. The January 2008 examinations are similar in format to the examinations administered in June 2007. However, the examination in French is provided in restrictedform.
For the Regents Comprehensive Examination in French, the restricted examination booklet for each student is enclosed in a sealed envelope. Only students taking the examination may open an envelope and read the questions. Each Teacher Dictation Copy for Part 2 is enclosed in a sealed envelope. The teacher administering the examination may open the envelope one hour before the scheduled starting time in order to become familiar with the material. Each copy of the scoring key is also enclosed in a sealed envelope. Only teachers rating Parts 2 through 4 may open an envelope and read the scoring key. Each copy of the examination booklet, Teacher Dictation Copy, and scoring key is numbered, and all copies of these materials must be returned to the Department, along with all student answer booklets. Copies of the Regents Comprehensive Examination in French, Restricted Edition, Directions for Administering and Scoring, January Administration are provided to schools in the shipment of nonsecure examination materials. Each person involved in the administration of the examination must carefully read these directions prior to the examination administration.
The Regents Comprehensive Examinations in French and Spanish consist of two tests: a speaking test (Part 1) and a written test (Parts 2 through 4). The speaking test should be administered at the school’s convenience during the speaking-test period, which begins 10 weeks prior to the written test and ends five calendar days prior to the written test. Students earn a maximum of 24 raw-score credits on Part 1. Student scores for the speaking test must be reported to the principal no later than January 18, 2008. To indicate that this was done, the school principal should sign and date the report of speaking-test scores when it is submitted to his or her office. The Regents Comprehensive Examinations in Modern Languages, Teacher’s Manual for Administering and Scoring Part 1: Speaking includes a sample form for reporting student scores. The publication is sent to schools ordering these examinations.
Part 2 of the examinations measures listening comprehension and requires teacher dictation. School administrators should take this factor into consideration when making plans for the administration of the examinations. Distribute the Teacher Dictation Copy, which is printed on blue paper, to proctors one hour before the scheduled starting time so that they will have sufficient time to become familiar with the dictation material prior to the examinations.
Students must write their responses to Parts 2 through 4 of the Regents Comprehensive Examinations in French and Spanish in the separate answer booklets provided to schools in the shipment of nonsecure examination materials.
Before allowing students to begin either of these examinations, have them check the cover of the examination booklet to be sure it has the correct title, date, and time.
The table on the next page shows the types of questions and the credit allotment for each part of the examinations.

January 2008 Regents Comprehensive Examinations in Modern Languages (French and Spanish)

*In Part 4, students select two of the three questions to answer.
For the Regents Comprehensive Examinations in French and Spanish, it is recommended that all student answer papers that receive a final score of 62 through 68 be scored by two teachers. For the second scoring of each of these examinations, a different committee of teachers may score the student’s paper or the original committee may score the paper. However, no teacher may score the same open-ended questions that he or she scored in the first rating of the paper. It is the responsibility of the school principal to ensure that the student’s final examination score is based on a fair, accurate, and reliable scoring of the student’s answer paper.
Online Teacher Evaluation Form
Suggestions and feedback from teachers provide an important contribution to the test development process. The Department provides an online evaluation form for State assessments. It contains spaces for teachers to respond to several specific questions and to make suggestions. This form is posted at www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/exameval.

__________
Please direct questions concerning the Regents Comprehensive Examinations in French and Spanish to Ron Dygert at 518-474-5912.

MATHEMATICS

Regents Examinations in Mathematics A and Mathematics B
Prior to the dates of the examinations, schools should provide all school personnel involved in the scoring of these examinations with a copy of the Information Booklet for Scoring Regents Examinations in Mathematics A and Mathematics B. This publication includes a supplement to the Guide for Rating Regents Examinations in Mathematics (1996 edition).
Schools must make scientific or graphing calculators available for use by all students—including general education students and those with disabilities—while they take the Regents Examination in Mathematics A.   Since students are notpermitted to use trigonometric and logarithmic reference tables during this examination, scientific calculators must have these features. A graphing calculator is permitted but not required for the Regents Examination in Mathematics A. For the Regents Examination in Mathematics B, a graphing calculator must be available for use by each student. The memory of any calculator with programming capability must be cleared, reset, or disabled when students enter the testing room. If the memory of a student’s calculator is password-protected and cannot be cleared, the calculator must not be used. No students may use calculators that are capable of symbol manipulation or that can communicate with other calculators through infrared sensors, nor may students use operating manuals, instruction or formula cards, or other information concerning the operation of calculators during the examinations.
Schools must be sure that each student has a straightedge (ruler) and a compass while taking the Regents Examination in Mathematics A or Mathematics B.
Students should write their Part I answers on the detachable answer sheet, which is printed as the last page of the examination booklet. They should write their answers to questions in Parts II, III, and IV in the examination booklet. Students must clearly indicate the necessary steps, including appropriate formula substitutions, diagrams, graphs, charts, etc., they used in arriving at their answers to questions in Parts II, III, and IV.
Scrap paper is not permitted. Students may use the blank spaces and the page of graph paper included in the examination booklet as scrap paper. Schools should have a supply of graph paper available for students who request it in the event that they need to change their work on graphs.
Students should write all work in pen except for graphs and drawings, which should be done in pencil.
Before allowing students to begin either of these examinations, have them check the cover of the test booklet to be sure it has the correct title, date, and time.
The January 2008 Regents Examination in Mathematics A is similar in format to the examination administered in June 2007. The examination has four parts, with a total of 39 questions. Students must answer all 39 questions. The following table shows the types of questions and the credit allotment for each part of the examination.

January 2008 Mathematics A

The January 2008 Regents Examination in Mathematics B is similar in format to the examination administered in June 2007. The examination has four parts, with a total of 34 questions. Students must answer all 34 questions. The following table shows the types of questions and the credit allotment for each part of the examination.

January 2008 Mathematics B

The Department provides a scoring key and rating guide for each administration that includes answers to the Part I multiple-choice questions and rubrics for scoring the open-ended questions. A chart for converting the student’s total-test raw score to a scaled score will be provided on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa. The scaled score is the student’s final examination score. Because the scaled scores corresponding to raw scores change from one examination administration to another, it is crucial that scorers use only the conversion chart provided for the January 2008 administration to determine the student’s final score.
All student answer papers for the Regents Examinations in Mathematics A and Mathematics B that receive a scaled score of 60 through 64 must be scored a second time. In addition, the principal may also elect to have the scoring committee score a second time those answer papers that received a scaled score of 50 through 54, or all answer papers. For the second scoring of each of these examinations, a different committee of teachers may score the student’s paper or the original committee may score the paper. However, no teacher may score the same open-ended questions that he or she scored in the first rating of the paper. It is the responsibility of the school principal to ensure that the student’s final examination score is based on a fair, accurate, and reliable scoring of the student’s answer paper.
The Information Booklet for Scoring Regents Examinations in Mathematics A and Mathematics B provides further information about the scoring of these examinations. This booklet is provided to each school in the shipment of nonsecure test materials and is available on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/hsmath.html.
Online Teacher Evaluation Form
Suggestions and feedback from teachers provide an important contribution to the test development process. The Department provides an online evaluation form for State assessments. It contains spaces for teachers to respond to several specific questions and to make suggestions. This form is posted at www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/exameval.

Regents Competency Test in Mathematics
The January 2008 Regents Competency Test in Mathematics is a restricted test. The test booklet for each student is enclosed in a sealed envelope. Only students taking the test may open an envelope. School personnel are not permitted to open an envelope containing a test booklet or to examine a test booklet for any reason other than to read the test to students with disabilities whose IEPs or 504 Plans call for this accommodation. Each copy of the test booklet is numbered, and all test booklets must be returned to the Department.
The January 2008 Regents Competency Test in Mathematics is based on the first seven units of the course described in the Department publication General High School Mathematics. The test is similar in format to the test administered in June 2007. It is divided into two parts and contains a total of 60 questions. Part A consists
of 20 completion questions for which students are to provide the answer. Each of the questions in Part A is worth one raw-score credit. Part B consists of 40 multiple-choice questions for which students are to select the correct answer from among the four choices given. The choices are labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4. Each of the questions in Part B is worth one raw-score credit.
Please note that general education students taking this test may not use calculators. Students with disabilities may use calculators when taking this test only if the use of these devices is included as a testing accommodation in the student’s IEP or 504 Plan.
Before allowing students to begin this test, have them check the cover of the test booklet to be sure it has the correct title, date, and time.
The passing score for this test is a raw score (total number of correct answers) of 39.
Copies of the detailed directions for administering and scoring the restricted Regents Competency Test in Mathematics are included in the shipment of nonsecure test materials to the school.
__________
If you have questions about scoring any of the Regents Examinations in mathematics or the Regents Competency Test in Mathematics for which you are unable to find answers on our web site, you may send an inquiry by e-mail to emscassessinfo@mail.nysed.gov or you may call the Office of State Assessment at
518-474-5900.

SCIENCE

Regents Examination in Living Environment
The January 2008 Regents Examination in Living Environment is based on the Living Environment Core Curriculum. It is similar in format to the examination administered in June 2007. The examination has four parts, with a total of 75 questions. Students must answer all questions in all parts. Four-function or scientific calculators must be available to all students who wish to have them during the entire scheduled time for this examination. Students are not permitted to use graphing calculators when taking this examination. The following table shows the types of questions and credit allotment for each part of the January 2008 examination.

January 2008 Living Environment

Before allowing students to begin this examination, have them check the cover of the examination booklet to be sure it has the correct title, date, and time.
Students are to record their answers to Part A and Part B–1 on the detachable answer sheet printed as the last page of the examination booklet. For each question in Part A and Part B–1, students are to choose the word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question and write its number on the appropriate line on the answer sheet. The answers to the questions in Part B–2, Part C, and Part D are to be written in the test booklet.
A scoring key and rating guide that accompanies the examination includes the answers to the
multiple-choice questions and rubrics for scoring each of the open-ended questions. A chart for converting
the student’s total raw score to a scaled score will be provided on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa. The scaled score is the student’s final examination score. Because the scaled scores corresponding to raw scores change from one administration to another, it is crucial that scorers use only the conversion chart provided for the January 2008 examination to determine the student’s final score.
All student answer papers for the Regents Examination in Living Environment that receive a scaled score of 60 through 64 must be scored a second time. In addition, the principal may also elect to have the scoring committee score a second time those answer papers that received a scaled score of 50 through 54, or all answer papers. For the second scoring, a different committee of teachers may score the student’s paper or the original committee may score the paper. However, no teacher may score the same open-ended questions that he or she scored in the first rating of the paper. It is the responsibility of the school principal to ensure that the student’s final examination score is based on a fair, accurate, and reliable scoring of the student’s answer paper.
The Information Booklet for Scoring Regents Examinations in the Sciences provides further information about the scoring of this examination. This booklet is provided to each school in the shipment of nonsecure test materials and is available on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/hssci.html. Prior to the administration date, provide a copy of this publication to all school personnel involved in the scoring of this examination.
Please note the statement on page 17 of this memorandum regarding the laboratory requirement for Regents Examinations in science.
Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Chemistry
The January 2008 Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Chemistry is based on the Chemistry Core Curriculum. The examination has four parts, with a total of 83questions. Students must answer all questions. The following table shows the types of questions and credit allotment for each part of the January 2008 examination.

January 2008 Physical Setting/Chemistry

Before allowing students to begin this examination, have them check the covers of the examination booklet and the answer booklet to be sure they have the correct title, date, and time.
Students are to record their answers to the multiple-choice questions in Part A and Part B–1 on the detachable answer sheet printed as the last page of the examination booklet. For each multiple-choice question, students are to choose the word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question and write its number on the appropriate line on the answer sheet. The answers to the open-ended questions in Part B–2 and Part C are to be written in the separate answer booklet provided. (The answer booklets are printed on ivory paper and are shrink-wrapped in the same package with the examination booklets.) Before beginning the examination, students should detach the answer sheet for Part A and Part B–1 from the examination booklet.
At the administration of the written test, each student must be provided with a copy of the 2002 edition of the Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Chemistry along with an examination booklet and an answer booklet. Some of the questions on the written test specifically require the use of the reference tables. A supply of the 2002 edition of thereference tablesis included in the shipment of nonsecure examination materials to the school. Principals should check to be sure that a sufficient number were received. Be sure to collect the reference tables at the end of the written test and keep them for future use in your school’s instructional program.
In addition, each studentmust have a four-function or scientific calculator to use while taking the Physical Setting/Chemistry Examination. Students are not permitted to use graphing calculators when taking this examination.
A scoring key and rating guide that accompanies the written examination provides answers to the
multiple-choice questions and rubrics for scoring the open-ended questions. A chart for converting the student’s total raw score to a scaled score will be provided on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa. The scaled score is the student’s final examination score. Because the scaled scores corresponding to raw scores change from one administration to another, it is crucial that scorers use only the conversion chart provided for the January 2008administration to determine the student’s final score.
All student answer papers for the Physical Setting/Chemistry Examination that receive a scaled score
of 60 through 64 must be scored a second time. In addition, the principal may also elect to have the scoring committee score a second time all answer papers. For the second scoring, a different committee of teachers may score the student’s paper or the original committee may score the paper. However, no teacher may score the same open-ended questions that he or she scored in the first rating of the paper. It is the responsibility of the school principal to ensure that the student’s final examination score is based on a fair, accurate, and reliable scoring of the student’s answer paper.
The Information Booklet for Scoring Regents Examinations in the Sciences provides further information about the scoring of this examination. This booklet is provided to each school in the shipment of nonsecure test materials and is available on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/hssci.html. Prior to the administration date, provide a copy of this publication to all school personnel involved in the scoring of this examination.
Please note the statement on page 17 of this memorandum regarding the laboratory requirement for Regents Examinations in science.

Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Earth Science
The January 2008 Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Earth Science is based on the Earth Science Core Curriculum and consists of two components: a laboratory performance test and a written test. The January 2008 Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Earth Science is similar in format to the examination administered in June 2007.
The performance test to be administered is the 2001 edition of the Earth Science Performance Test. The total number of raw-score credits for the 2001 edition of the performance test is 23. The student’s raw score on the performance test should be recorded on the cover of the student’s performance-test answer booklet and in the designated space in the box on the student’s answer booklet for Part B–2 and Part C of the written test. As indicated below, a conversion chart will be provided for converting the student’s score on the performance test and score on the written test to the final examination score.
The performance test is sent to schools in the shipment of nonsecure examination materials so that the Earth science staff can prepare for the administration of this performance component during the last two weeks of the course, but no later than the day before the administration of the written test. The Directions for Administering and Scoring, printed on blue paper, and the rating guide, printed on yellow paper, provides specific directions for administering and scoring the 2001 edition. Teachers are strongly encouraged to review these directions before administering or rating the performance test.
A student who is taking the January 2008 Physical Setting/Earth Science Regents Examination and who has taken an Earth Science Regents Examination in the past may use the performance-test raw score from the prior administration or may take the performance test again. If a student wishes to take the performance test again, the student must be given the opportunity to do so. However, if a student takes the performance test in January 2008, then the January 2008 performance-test raw score must be used in determining that student’s final scaled score for the January 2008 Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Earth Science.
All parts of the performance test are considered secure materials and must not be shared with students prior to the test administration. Once the performance test is administered, all copies, used and unused, of the 2001 edition of the Earth Science Performance Test must be securely destroyed and must not be shared with students.
The written test for January 2008 has four parts, with a total of 84 questions. Students must answer all questions. No choice is allowed. The following table shows the types of questions and credit allotment for each part of the January 2008 examination.

January 2008 Physical Setting/Earth Science

Before allowing students to begin the written test, have them check the covers of the examination booklet and the answer booklet to be sure they have the correct title, date, and time.
For the written test, students are to record their answers to the multiple-choice questions in Part A and Part B–1 on the detachable answer sheet printed as the last page of the examination booklet. For each multiple-choice question, students are to choose the word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question and write its number on the appropriate line on the answer sheet. Students are to record their answers to the open-ended questions in Part B–2 and Part C in the separate answer booklet provided. (The answer booklets are printed on ivory paper and are shrink-wrapped in the same package with the examination booklets.) Before beginning the examination, students should detach the answer sheet for Part A and Part B–1 from the examination booklet.
At the administration of the written test, each student must be provided with a copy of the 2001 edition (Revised November 2006) of the Earth Science Reference Tables along with an examination booklet and an answer booklet. Some of the questions on the written test specifically require the use of the reference tables. A supply of reference tables is included in the shipment of nonsecure examination materials to the school. Principals should check to be sure that a sufficient number were received. Be sure to collect the reference tables at the end of the written test and keep them for future use in your school’s instructional program.
In addition, each student must have a four-function or scientific calculator to use while taking the Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Earth Science. Students are not permitted to use graphing calculators when taking this examination.
A scoring key and rating guide that accompanies the written examination provides answers to the
multiple-choice questions and rubrics for scoring the open-ended questions. A chart for converting the student’s total raw scores on the performance test and the written test to a scaled score will be provided on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa. The scaled score is the student’s final examination score. Because the scaled scores corresponding to raw scores change from one administration to another, it is crucial that scorers use only the conversion chart provided for the January 2008administration to determine the student’s final score.
All student answer papers for the Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Earth Science that receive a scaled score of 60 through 64 must be scored a second time. In addition, the principal may also elect to have the scoring committee score a second time those answer papers that received a scaled score of 50 through 54, or all answer papers. For the second scoring, a different committee of teachers may score the student’s paper or the original committee may score the paper. However, no teacher may score the same open-ended questions that he or she scored in the first rating of the paper. It is the responsibility of the school principal to ensure that the student’s final examination score is based on a fair, accurate, and reliable scoring of the student’s answer paper.
The Information Booklet for Scoring Regents Examinations in the Sciences provides further information about the scoring of this examination. This booklet is provided to each school in the shipment of nonsecure test materials and is available on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/hssci.html. Prior to the administration date, all school personnel involved in the scoring of this examination should be provided with a copy of this publication.
Please note the statement on page 17 of this memorandum regarding the laboratory requirement for Regents Examinations in science.

Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Physics
The January 2008 Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Physics is based on the Physical Setting/Physics Core Curriculum. The January 2008 Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Physics is similar in format to the examination administered in June 2007. The examination has four parts with a total
of 76 questions. Students must answer all questions.
The table on the next page shows the types of questions and credit allotment for each part of the January 2008 examination.

January 2008 Physical Setting/Physics

* All of the multiple-choice questions have four answer choices, labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Before allowing students to begin this examination, have them check the covers of the examination booklet and the answer booklet to be sure they have the correct title, date, and time.
Students are to record their answers to the multiple-choice questions in Part A and Part B–1 on the detachable answer sheet printed as the last page of the examination booklet. For each multiple-choice question, students are to choose the word or expression that, of those given, best completes the statement or answers the question and write its number on the appropriate line on the answer sheet. Students are to record their answers to the open-ended questions in Part B–2 and Part C in the separate answer booklet provided. (The answer booklets are printed on ivory paper and are shrink-wrapped in the same package with the examination booklets.) Before beginning the examination, students should detach the answer sheet for Part A and Part B–1 from the examination booklet.
A scoring key and rating guide that accompanies the written examination provides answers to the
multiple-choice questions and rubrics for scoring the open-ended questions. A chart for converting the student’s total raw score to a scaled score will be provided on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa. The scaled score is the student’s final examination score. Because the scaled scores corresponding to raw scores change from one administration to another, it is crucial that scorers use only the conversion chart provided for the January 2008 administration to determine the student’s final score.
All student answer papers for the Regents Examination in Physical Setting/Physics that receive a scaled score of 60 through 64 must be scored a second time. In addition, the principal may also elect to have the scoring committee score a second time all answer papers. For the second scoring, a different committee of teachers may score the student’s paper or the original committee may score the paper. However, no teacher may score the same open-ended questions that he or she scored in the first rating of the paper. It is the responsibility of the school principal to ensure that the student’s final examination score is based on a fair, accurate, and reliable scoring of the student’s answer paper.
At the administration of the written test, each student must be provided with a copy of the 2006 edition of the Reference Tables for Physical Setting/Physics along with an examination booklet. Some of the questions on the written test specifically require the use of the reference tables. A supply of the 2006 edition of the reference tables is included in the shipment of nonsecure examination materials to the school. Principals should check to be sure that a sufficient number were received. Be sure to collect the reference tables at the end of the written test and keep them for future use in your school’s instructional program.
In addition, each student must have a scientific or graphing calculator, protractor, and ruler for his or her exclusive use during the entire examination.
The Information Booklet for Scoring Regents Examinations in the Sciences provides further information about the scoring of this examination. This booklet is provided to each school in the shipment of nonsecure test materials and is available on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/hssci.html. Prior to the administration date, all school personnel involved in the scoring of this examination should receive a copy of this publication.
Please note the statement below regarding the laboratory requirement for Regents Examinations in science.

Laboratory Requirement
Laboratory experience is required in each of the four Regents science courses. This requirement follows directly from the fact that these courses are laboratory sciences, and successful completion of any one of them earns for the student one unit of credit for a laboratory science. Students must be engaged in laboratory activities for at least 30-minute periods or the equivalent (1,200 minutes) as certified by the secondary school principal.
Students must prepare satisfactory written reports of these laboratory experiences. Schools should keep these reports for six months following the date of the examination, except in instances where a senior requests such reports for further work.
Please note that Section 8.2 of the Rules of the Board of Regents states: “Only those persons who have satisfactorily met the laboratory requirements as stated in the core for a science shall be admitted to a Regents Examination in such science.”

Online Teacher Evaluation Form
Suggestions and feedback from teachers provide an important contribution to the test development process. The Department provides an online evaluation form for State assessments. It contains spaces for teachers to respond to several specific questions and to make suggestions. This form is posted at www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/exameval.

Regents Competency Test in Science
The January 2008 Regents Competency Test in Science is a restricted test. The test booklet for each student is enclosed in a sealed envelope. Only students taking the test may open an envelope. School personnel are not permitted to open an envelope containing a test booklet or to examine a test booklet for any reason other than to read the test to students with disabilities whose IEPs or 504 Plans call for this accommodation. Each copy of the test booklet is numbered, and all test booklets must be returned to the Department.
The January 2008 Regents Competency Test in Science is similar in format to the test administered in
June 2007 and is based on the 10 blocks of the Science Syllabus for Middle and Junior High Schools identified in the publication Information Bulletin: Regents Competency Testing Program in Science, A Guide to the Core Process Skills and Content Understandings.
The test consists of 70 questions, all of which the students must complete. The passing score is a minimum of 46 correct answers. The test gives equal coverage to the life, physical, and Earth sciences. About 10 percent of the test covers the core material from Block J: Science, Technology, and Society. Questions test knowledge of basic vocabulary and specific core understandings, comprehension of those understandings and their application to new situations, and mastery of the core process (inquiry) skills. A scoring key that accompanies the examination includes the answers to the multiple-choice questions and rubrics for scoring question 70.
Before allowing students to begin this test, have them check the cover of the test booklet to be sure it has the correct title, date, and time.
The Department provides a separate hand- or machine-scorable answer sheet on which students are to record their answers to questions 1 through 69 on this test, all of which are multiple choice. A detachable answer sheet for completion question 70 is printed as the last page of the test booklet. Instruct students to detach this answer page from the test booklet prior to beginning work on the test and to write their response to completion question 70 on the detached answer page. Question 70 may require students to construct a data table, complete a graph, explain a described activity, or demonstrate mastery of other core science process (inquiry) skills.
Copies of the detailed directions for administering and scoring the restricted Regents Competency Test in Science are included in the shipment of nonsecure test materials to the school.
__________

If you have questions about scoring any of the Regents Examinations in the sciences for which you are unable to find answers on our web site, you may send an inquiry by e-mail to emscurric@mail.nysed.gov or you may call the Office of State Assessment at 518-474-5900. Please direct questions concerning the Regents Competency Test in Science to Judy Pinsonnault at 518-474-5900.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Regents Examination in Global History and Geography
Regents Examination in United States History and Government
The Regents Examinations in Global History and Geography and in United States History and Government assess student achievement of the New York State Learning Standards in social studies at the commencement level. The Regents Examination in Global History and Geography is based on the content column of the Global History and Geography Core Curriculum. The Regents Examination in United States History and Government is based on the content column of the United States History and Government Core Curriculum. Some of the questions are designed to test the student’s ability to apply the social studies skills in the core curriculum.
Both January 2008 examinations have three parts. Students are to answer all questions in all parts.
Part I contains 50 multiple-choice questions. Part II contains one thematic essay question. Part III A contains open-ended questions based on several documents, and Part III B contains one essay question based on the documents and the student’s knowledge of specific social studies content.
Before allowing students to begin either of these examinations, have them check the cover of the examination booklet to be sure they have the correct title, date, and time.
Students are to write their answers to the Part I questions on the detachable answer sheet printed as the
last page of the examination booklet. Schools that choose to use machine-scorable answer sheets for
Part I should refer to the publication Regents Examinations, Regents Competency Tests, and Proficiency Examinations: School Administrator’s Manual, 2001 Edition, for guidelines concerning the format and scoring of these answer sheets.
Students are to write their answers to Part III A open-ended questions directly in the examination booklet. They are to write their answers to Parts II and III B essay questions in a separate essay booklet provided to schools by the Department in the shipment of nonsecure examination materials. Students may use scrap paper, provided by the school, for planning essays.
The following tables show the types of questions and the credit allotment for each part of the January 2008 examinations.
January 2008 Regents Examination in Global History and Geography

January 2008 Regents Examination in United States History and Government

A scoring key and rating guide that accompanies the examinations contains the answers to the multiple-choice questions, content-specific rubrics for the Part II and Part III B essay questions, and specific rubrics for each Part III A open-ended question. For each essay question, the Department provides annotated anchor papers for each score level and annotated prescored practice papers. A chart for converting students’ raw scores to scaled scores will be provided on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa. The scaled score is the student’s final examination score. Because the scaled scores corresponding to raw scores change from one administration to another, it is crucial that scorers use only the conversion chart provided for the January 2008administration to determine the student’s final score.
The Information Booklet for Scoring Regents Examinations in Global History and Geography and United States History and Government providesfurther information about the scoring of these examinations. This booklet is provided to each school in the shipment of nonsecure test materials and is available on the Department’s web site at: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/hssocst.html.This booklet includes detailed procedures for training scorers, resolving discrepant scores, and managing the logistics of the scoring process. Prior to the date of the examinations, all school personnel involved in coordinating the scoring process should receive a copy of this booklet.
Online Teacher Evaluation Form
Suggestions and feedback from teachers provide an important contribution to the test development process. The Department provides an online evaluation form for State assessments. It contains spaces for teachers to respond to several specific questions and to make suggestions. This form is posted at www.emsc.nysed.gov/osa/exameval.

Regents Competency Test in Global Studies
The January 2008 Regents Competency Test in Global Studies is a restricted test. The test booklets (Part 1 and Part 2) for each student are enclosed in a sealed envelope. Only students taking the test may open an envelope. School personnel are not permitted to open an envelope containing the test booklets or to examine the test booklets for any reason other than to read the tests to students with disabilities whose IEPs or 504 Plans call for this accommodation.
The Regents Competency Test in Global Studies is based on the syllabus Social Studies 9 & 10: Global Studies. The questions on this test are based on the “Content Outline” and “Major Ideas” sections of the syllabus. Some of the questions are designed to test the student’s ability to apply the social studies skills listed in the syllabus.
Before allowing students to begin the test, have them check the covers of the test booklets to be sure they have the correct title, date, and time.
The test has two parts. Part 1 consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, numbered 1–50, for which a total of 50 credits is allowed. Students are to record their answers to this part on the detachable answer sheet printed as the last page of the Part 1 examination booklet. Part 2 consists of four 10-credit essay questions. Students are required to answer a total of two essay questions, worth a maximum of 20 credits. They are to write their responses to the essay questions directly in the test booklet.
In Part 1, some of the questions require students to interpret and to draw conclusions from data presented in various forms.
Each Part 2 essay question consists of two parts. Part A, worth a maximum of four credits, is designed to elicit data. Part B is a writing component worth a total of six credits. Scorers are to rate the Part B writing activity on a holistic basis using the chart “Criteria for Rating Student Responses: Essay Questions, Part B” provided with the rating guide for the test.
In Part 2, the essay questions are drawn from the total curriculum in global studies. Some essay questions may be based on specific units, while others may be more broadly based and reflect major ideas from several units or subunits. Some of the questions may give students an opportunity to show an understanding of the processes involved in interpreting information presented in a variety of forms.
The maximum total raw score on the test is 70  (50 on Part 1 and 20 on Part 2). The passing score is a minimum raw score of 46 credits.
A restricted rating guide is enclosed with the test to help scorers evaluate Part 2 answers. In addition to the criteria for rating essays, the guide includes a listing of some objectives tested by the question and sample data for each question. It also includes a table for converting total test raw scores to percents.
Copies of the detailed directions for administering and scoring the restricted Regents Competency Test in Global Studies are included in the shipment of nonsecure test materials to the school. Each person involved in the administration of this test should become thoroughly familiar with these special directions prior to the date of administration.
Each copy of the test booklet is numbered, and all test booklets must be returned to the Department. The rating guide for scoring the essay section of the test is also numbered and must also be returned to the Department.

Regents Competency Test in United States History and Government
The January 2008 Regents Competency Test in United States History and Government is a restricted test. The test booklets (Part 1 and Part 2) for each student are enclosed in a sealed envelope. Only students taking the test may open an envelope. School personnel are not permitted to open an envelope containing the test booklets or to examine the test booklets for any reason other than to read the tests to students with disabilities whose IEPs or 504 Plans call for this accommodation.
The Regents Competency Test in United States History and Government is based on the syllabus Social Studies 11: United States History and Government. The questions on this test are based on the “Content Outline” and “Major Ideas” sections of the syllabus. Some of the questions are designed to test the student’s ability to apply the social studies skills listed in the syllabus.
Before allowing students to begin this test, have them check the covers of the test booklets to be sure they have the correct title, date, and time.
The test has two parts. Part 1 consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, numbered 1–50, for which a total of 50 credits is allowed. Students are to record their answers to this part on the detachable answer sheet printed as the last page of the Part 1 examination booklet. Part 2 consists of four 10-credit essay questions. Students are required to answer a total of two essay questions, worth a maximum of 20 credits. They are to write their responses to the essay questions directly in the test booklet.
In Part 1, some of the questions require students to interpret and to draw conclusions from data presented in various forms.
Each Part 2 essay question consists of two parts. Part A, worth a maximum of four credits, is designed to elicit data. Part B is a writing component worth a total of six credits. Scorers are to rate the Part B writing activity on a holistic basis using the chart “Criteria for Rating Student Responses: Essay Questions, Part B” provided with the rating guide for the test.
In Part 2, the essay questions are drawn from the total curriculum in United States history and government. Some essay questions may be based on specific units, while others may be more broadly based and reflect major ideas from several units or subunits. Some of the questions may give students an opportunity to show an understanding of the processes involved in interpreting information presented in a variety of forms.
The maximum total raw score on this test is 70 (50 on Part 1 and 20 on Part 2). The passing score is a minimum raw score of 46 credits.
A restricted rating guide accompanies the test to help scorers evaluate Part 2 answers. In addition to the criteria for rating essays, the guide includes a listing of some objectives tested by the question and sample data for each question. It also includes a table for converting total test raw scores to percents.
Copies of the detailed directions for administering and scoring the restricted Regents Competency Test in United States History and Government are included in the shipment of nonsecure test materials to the school. Each person involved in the administration of this test should become thoroughly familiar with these special directions prior to the date of administration.
Each copy of the test booklet is numbered, and all test booklets must be returned to the Department. The rating guide for scoring the essay section of the test is also numbered and must also be returned to the Department.
__________

Please direct questions (e-mail is preferred) concerning examinations in social studies to the following Department staff: