Dear 7th grade Families,

We are beginning the process of identifying students who may be interested in accelerated Math or Science for 8th grade, and we want to share how that process will work.

Students who would like to be considered for acceleration will need to take a placement exam in Math and or Science. The Math placement test will be administered during the school day on April 22, and the Science placement test will be administered on April 23. Each assessment was developed by our middle school teachers and is designed to measure readiness for the pace and rigor of accelerated coursework. Each exam will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

The placement exam is just one part of the review process. In addition to the placement assessment, we will consider multiple data points:

• Review of MAP scores
• NYS ELA and Math assessment results
• Math or Science quarterly unit assessment performance
• Midterm assessment results
• Quarterly course averages

We will also review students’ performance on prior years’ NYS assessments to ensure there is a consistent pattern of achievement over time. Acceleration is best suited for students who demonstrate sustained strength across multiple measures, not just a single data point.

Our goal is to make thoughtful decisions based on performance over time. Students who move into accelerated courses will be expected to participate in the NYS grade level testing in April.

Any 7th grade student who wishes to take a placement exam may do so. However, students seeking placement in an accelerated course must participate in the placement testing process.

If you would like your child to take one or both placement exams, please contact:

Algebra: Mrs. Cavallaro at lcavallaro@onteora.k12.ny.us,  

Biology:  Mrs. Babcock at ababcock@onteora.k12.ny.us, or 

Mrs. Proietti at sproietti@onteora.k12.ny.us.

Sincerely,

Don N. Solimene

Interim Principal