Students in New York State take standardized tests in English language arts and mathematics in grades 3-8, science in grades 4 and 8, and high school Regents exams in English, mathematics, science, and social studies. The tests are designed to measure how well students are mastering the learning standards that guide classroom instruction and help to ensure that students are on track to graduate from high school with the critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning skills needed for success in college and the modern workplace.
Students are assigned a performance level based on how well they do on the tests, with 4 being the highest level a student can earn.