English Language Arts
Students who have completed two years of coursework (or one year of accelerated coursework) in Chinese (Simplified), French, Italian, Latin, or Spanish before the end of grade eight may be eligible to take the Checkpoint A exam to earn two high school credits. Your child’s school can tell you whether your child is eligible to take the exam.
The NY State Education Department requires that students earn at least two high school credits in World Language to graduate with a Regents or local diploma. Students who complete the required coursework and earn a passing grade on the Checkpoint A earn two high school credits and fulfill the World Language graduation requirement.
Math
In New York, the Algebra I Regents exam is a high school-level standardized test, but some 8th graders may take it if they are enrolled in an accelerated Algebra I course. This accelerated path allows students to potentially take more advanced math courses like Precalculus or Calculus earlier in their high school career.
Science
Living Environment Regents (also sometimes referred to as the Biology Regents) is a New York State Regents Examination. While it's typically administered to high school students (grades 9-12), some 8th graders in NYC middle schools may have the opportunity to take it if they've completed the necessary coursework and have their school administrator's approval. This typically includes completing a minimum of 1200 minutes of lab work with satisfactory written reports.
MAP Growth Assessment
MAP Growth assessments in reading, math, and science show what students know and what they are ready to learn next. The computer adapts to each child’s answers, giving teachers useful information to guide lessons and track growth throughout the year.