| ACTION REQUIRED
Justification for Exceeding 1.0 Percent State-level Cap on New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) Participation and Assurance of Participation in Tier 1 Universal Technical Assistance and Supports
· All local educational agencies (LEAs) (i.e., public school districts and special act school districts) must review their 2023-2024 NYSAA participation data posted on the Office of Special Education (OSE) NYSAA Justification webpage to determine if they exceed the 1.0 percent state-level cap under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) on the percentage of students who may be assessed with an alternate assessment aligned with alternate academic achievement standards (i.e., NYSAA in New York State).
· The following resources, which can be found on the Information Related to NYSAA webpage, have been recently updated: 1.0 Percent NYSAA Webinar, NYSAA Online Quiz, NYSAA Eligibility Criteria for Participation Policy Brief, NYSAA Decision-Making Tool, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
· LEAs exceeding 1.0 percent must provide information justifying the need to assess more than 1.0 percent of its students with the NYSAA through the Justification for Exceeding 1.0 Percent State-level Cap on New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) Participation and Assurance of Participation in Tier 1 Universal Technical Assistance and Supports (2023-2024 NYSAA Participation Data) form in the IRS Data Exchange (IDEx).
· Additionally, LEAs whose 2023-2024 NYSAA participation data exceeded the 1.0 percent state-level cap are required to participate in the Tier 1 Universal Technical Assistance and Supports activities described in Section II of the Justification form and provide assurance of completion of these activities.
· The completed NYSAA Justification and Assurance form must be submitted via IDEx no later than May 30, 2025.
· Additional information, including a description of the required Tier 1 activities, information on how NYSAA participation data were calculated, and guidance on accessing the Justification Form via IDEx, can be found on the OSE NYSAA Justification webpage.
· Questions relating to the 1.0 percent NYSAA state-level cap and the justification form may be directed to the OSE Policy Unit at speced@nysed.gov.
· Questions regarding the NYSAA participation data or about accessing IDEx may be directed to the Office of Information and Reporting Services at datasupport@nysed.gov.
FYI
Invitation to Holocaust Education Day of Learning on March 31st, 2025 (attachment)
· In May 2025, NYSED will be releasing curricular resources focused on “Teaching About the Holocaust and Other Genocides.” This project focuses on updating and providing digital accessibility for curricular resources on this topic, hosted by the “Consider the Source” platform.
· To complement the creation of curricular resources on this topic, we have arranged a professional learning experience for educators to visit the newly opened Anne Frank Annex exhibit at the Center for Jewish History in New York City on Monday, March 31, 2025. This exhibit is the first complete recreation of the Anne Frank Annex outside of Amsterdam. The goal of this visit is to provide educators with an immersive experience to deepen their understanding of the Holocaust. Educators will engage in a full day of professional learning with leading Holocaust education experts, gaining valuable insights and resources to support their understanding and use of the digital platform that will be available.
· This day of learning will be prioritized for superintendents, curriculum and instruction leadership/directors, and educators who are engaged in teaching about the Holocaust and other genocides.
· Please see the attached flyer for the registration link if you would like to attend this event. For more information regarding this event contact Amalia Schiff at amalia.schiff@nysed.gov.
FYI
Regents Examination in Chemistry and Physics Reference Tables Now Available
· The reference tables for the new Regents Examinations in Chemistry and Physics are now available on the Office of State Assessment Science webpage.
· These exams will be administered for the first time in June 2026 (see this memo for schedule information).
· Students receiving instruction in the NYS P12 Science Learning Standards for Chemistry and Physics courses during the 2025-26 school year should make regular use of these reference tables, both in the classroom and on the Regents Exams.
· Questions about the Regents Examinations in Science should be directed to the Office of State Assessment at emscassessinfo@nysed.gov.
FYI
QUALITYstarsNY Available to Support Early Childhood Programs in New York State
· QUALITYstarsNY is New York State’s voluntary Quality Rating & Improvement System (QRIS) for early childhood programs.
· It is designed to systematically assess, improve, and sustain early childhood care and education quality in all regulated settings.
· When a program joins QUALITYstarsNY, they are partnered with a Quality Improvement Specialist who provides individualized support throughout every aspect of the work.
· Classroom materials and furnishings, professional development opportunities, assessment, and a wide range of resources are made available to all QUALITYstarsNY participants to help programs earn higher star ratings and sustain high quality over time.
· Learn more about the many ways QUALITYstarsNY can benefit your program at one of several online information sessions in April. . Questions can be sent to info@qualitystarsny.org.
FYI
Prekindergarten Eligibility Frequently Asked Questions for Families
· The Office of Early Learning has prepared a Frequently Asked Questions document and Prekindergarten overview document for families.
· These documents include helpful questions and answers to the most commonly asked questions about prekindergarten eligibility.
· The documents can be accessed on the Families’ Frequently Asked Questions page of the Office of Early Learning’s website.
· Any questions can be directed to OEL@nysed.gov. |
