Levels 1 to 4:
what the report means.

The four levels

Results are reported as a performance level from 1 to 4, together with a scale score. There is no percentage.

Level 3 is the state's definition of proficient. A child at level 3 is where the standard expects them to be — which is a good outcome, and is regularly read as a mediocre one by parents used to percentage grades.

The scale score is not comparable across grades

Each grade has its own scale. A grade 4 scale score cannot be compared with a grade 5 scale score, even in the same subject. What can be tracked across years is the level.

How much to read into one year

Less than most families do. A single assessment on a single morning measures a narrow slice of what a child knows, and children have bad days. A drop of one level in one year is worth noticing and not worth alarm; the same drop two years running is worth a conversation with the teacher.

The most useful information is not the level at all — it is which standards the child struggled with, if your school shares that detail.

What the levels are used for

Mainly school and district accountability, and identifying students who may need support. In some New York City districts they also form part of screened middle school admission, which is why they carry more weight here than elsewhere in the state. Ask your school directly rather than assuming either way.

Where practice actually helps

Not in chasing a level. In removing surprises — particularly now the assessments are taken on a computer, which is a new experience for younger students.

Our State Test practice exams report performance by section and explain every wrong answer, which tells you more about what to work on than a level ever will. ten free questions include state test questions.