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School leaders pleased with no time limits for tests

WBFO file photo by Eileen Buckley

Students will no longer have time limits on state tests this spring.  State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia says students third through eighth graders will be given the time they need to talk the assessments. WBFO's Focus on Education Reporter asked some area schools superintendents if this will ease over testing concerns.

“The commissioner, allowing extra time for the students, I think is good for students,” said Dr. Dawn Mirand, Schools Superintendent, Kenmore Tonawanda School District.

Mirand was pleased Education Commissioner Elia wants to give students more time when they take the assessments.

“And it will be helpful and quieting some of the angst over the assessments,” stated Mirand.

Frontier Superintendent Dr. Bret Apthrope also responding to the change for the assessment.

“Having the no-time restriction on students is a good example of the commissioner listening to the concerns of the parents in our communities,” said Apthorpe. 

Apthrope said the education commissioner is off to a good start.

"It’s a small step and certainly our parents and teachers are happy about that, but again, it is a small first step towards a lot of work that needs to take place with fixing the three through eight assessment program,” noted Apthrope.  

Teacher evaluations will no longer be tied to the assessments.  However, Lake Shore Schools Superintendent James Przepasnaik said students must still undergo more than one day of testing. 

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