WHO
takes the test?

Students in grade 8 take the State Intermediate Assessment in Social Studies. In addition, students in grade 7 who are participating in an accelerated social studies course and who will complete the program in June may also take the Intermediate Assessment in Social Studies.

Note: All English Language Learners (Limited English Proficient Students) must take the State Intermediate Assessment in Social Studies. When tests are not available in the student's native language, the test may be translated orally.

Students with disabilities whose Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) specify that they should not take the State Intermediate Assessment in Science are exempt from taking the test.
WHAT
is the test?

The Intermediate Assessment in Social Studies is a timed, one-day test that takes three hours. The test is comprised of three parts. The first part consists of 45 multiple-choice items. The second part contains three or four open-ended short answer questions. The third part is a single document-based item made up of short, open-ended questions and an essay.

The Intermediate Assessment in Social Studies measures knowledge and understanding of the content and skills included in a chronological study of United States and New York State history, focusing primarily on social history. The test consists of material included in a two-year course which traces the human experience in the United States from pre-Columbian times to the present.
WHY
is it given?

New York State and New York City have adopted new learning standards in social studies that describe what students should know and be able to do. Performance on the Intermediate Assessment in Social Studies serves to determine student progress toward meeting the five intermediate-level social studies learning standards by demonstrating an understanding of:

- US and NY History
- World History
- Geography
- Economics
- Civics, Citizenship, and Government
HOW
are test results reported?

The results are reported as scale scores and performance levels.

  • Scale scores. The number of correct answers is converted to scores on a common scale so that achievement can be compared across grade levels.
  • Performance levels. The four proficiency levels that show how students have mastered the knowledge and skills that make up the learning standards. When a student is at level 3 or 4, he or she has met or exceeded the standard.

 

Meeting
Standard
Level 4
(Advanced)


Students exceed the learning standards for social studies. Their performance shows superior understanding of key social studies concepts.
Level 3
(Proficient)


Students meet the learning standards. Their performance shows thorough understanding of key social studies concepts.
Below
Standard
Level 2
(Basic)


Students show partial achievement of the learning standards. Their performance shows partial understanding of key social studies concepts.
Level 1
(Below Basic)

Students do not meet the learning standards. Their performance shows minimal understanding of key social studies concepts.

Schools distribute test results on Individual Test Reports (ITRs) to every parent. The ITRs include the student's scale score and performance level.
HOW
are test results used?

Teachers and principals use the results from the State Intermediate Assessment in Social Studies to place students in appropriate classes and in special programs and to provide students with before- or after-school tutoring or extra help during school.