The Grade 8 Intermediate-Level Social Studies Test will be introduced in spring 2001. All public schools are required to administer the test. Nonpublic schools are strongly encouraged to administer the test as well. The test will be administered to students in grade 8.

The test consists of three components: multiple-choice questions, constructed-response questions, and a document-based question. The purpose of the test is to measure achievement of the Learning Standards for Social Studies. Test questions are based on the material in New York State’s Social Studies Core Curriculum (grades 7–8). The test must be administered between June 6 and June 21, 2001. The test is comprised of two test booklets and students have 1.5 hours to complete each booklet. The first booklet includes the multiple-choice and constructed-response questions. The second booklet includes the document-based question. Schools may administer the test in two sessions on separate days or they may administer the entire test on the same day. Students who are absent for one or both parts of the test must complete the test within the June 6–21 period. An Information Sheet regarding the test is enclosed.

A State-designated level of performance will be established to help schools identify students who must receive academic intervention services. All students who score below a designated level on the test must receive such services, which must commence in the semester immediately following the administration of the test.

Student answer papers will be scored locally by teachers using scoring guides provided by the Department. Some information about scoring is provided in the enclosed Information Sheet. Detailed directions for scoring will be included with the scoring materials that accompany the test.

Turnkey training sessions on scoring this test will be offered in several locations in the State through December 2000. These sessions are designed to train representatives of local BOCES, teacher centers, and local social studies councils, who will then be available for training teaching staffs at the district/school level.

In June 2000 the Office of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment distributed the Grade 8 Intermediate Social Studies Test Sampler Draft, which contains sample questions for the three components of the test and scoring guidelines for each component. The test sampler is intended to acquaint intermediate-level social studies teachers and administrators with this new test. This document is available on the New  York State Education Department web site, via the social studies publication page, at http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/social/html.

Further information about administering and scoring the test will be provided during the 2000–2001 school year. Questions about the test should be directed to the following Department staff:

Content questions Jo Ann Larson, Curriculum and Instruction (518) 474-5922
Administration questions David Moore, Test Administration (518) 474-5099