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How to read your child's NYS test score report

Every spring, students in grades 3 to 8 take the New York State English Language Arts (ELA) and math tests. Months later, you get a score report. Here is what each part means, with pictures and examples.

Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4371431450470498458Level 3 · proficient ✓
In 10 seconds: the test gives a number (the scale score). The number falls in one of four levels. Level 3 or 4 means proficient.
The 6 partsLevel rangesScore checker3 example studentsWhen reports arriveQuestions for the teacher

The 6 parts of the report

This is a sample we drew. The real report from your school may look a little different, but it has the same kinds of parts. Match the numbers on the picture with the boxes below.

GRADE 6 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTSTest results · school year 2025-26Student: Student A · School: Sample Middle SchoolSCORE THIS YEAR458LEVEL 31LAST YEAR (grade 5)LEVEL 26Level 3 means the studentmeets the state standard.3PERFORMANCE LEVELS (grade 6 ELA, 2026 scale)LEVEL 4470–498Excels in the grade standardsLEVEL 3450–469Proficient in the grade standardsLEVEL 2431–449Partially proficientLEVEL 1371–430Not yet proficient458 is here2HOW THE SCORE COMPARES (averages)Student A458School455District452State4494CREDITS EARNED BY TEST SECTIONReading18 of 26Writing from Sources10 of 14red line = average for NYS students5Illustration made by Goal100 to teach how to read a report. Not an official NYSED document.

On a phone, swipe the picture sideways to see all of it.

  1. Scale score. The main number. It is not a percent. It is a point on a scale that NYSED sets for each grade and subject (for grade 6 ELA in 2026, the scale runs from 371 to 498).
  2. Performance level (1 to 4). The scale is cut into four bands. The band your child's score lands in is the level.
  3. What the level means. NYSED says Level 3 students are proficient in the standards for their grade, and the report says the student “meets the state standard.” Level 4 students excel. Level 2 is partially proficient. Level 1 means not yet proficient.
  4. Comparisons. Your child's score next to the school, district and state averages. These are averages, not rankings.
  5. Credits by test section. How many points (credits) your child earned in each part, such as Reading and Writing from Sources, next to the average for NYS students. This shows which part to practice.
  6. Last year. The level from last year's test, so you can see change over time.
Is there a percentile? No. NYSED's own sample parent report shows the scale score, the level, averages and section credits. It does not show a percentile rank. If you see a percentile, it likely came from a different test your school uses. Ask the school which test it was.

Score ranges for grade 6 (2026 tests)

Each grade and subject has its own ranges. These are NYSED's official 2026 ranges for grade 6.

LevelGrade 6 ELAGrade 6 MathIn plain words
Level 4470–498485–509Excels in the grade's standards
Level 3450–469450–484Proficient: meets the standard
Level 2431–449431–449Partially proficient: on the way
Level 1371–430383–430Not yet proficient: a starting point

Other grades: see NYSED's “2026 performance levels and scale score ranges” sheet in the Sources list.

Score checker (grade 6, 2026)

Runs only in your browser. Nothing is sent or saved.

3 example students and what to do next

These students are made up. Real children are more than one number. The report is one way to see how a child did on one test, on one or two days.

Example with made-up numbers

Student A · Grade 6 Math · score 441

Level: 441 is between 431 and 449, so it is Level 2.

Points to reach Level 3 = 450 − 441 = 9 points

What to do next:

  1. Ask the teacher: “Which math skills should we practice first?”
  2. Practice 15 minutes, 4 days a week. That is 15 × 4 = 60 minutes a week.
  3. Use number talks at home: prices at the store, recipes, sports stats.
  4. Check back after 6 weeks: 6 × 60 = 360 minutes (6 hours) of practice.
Example with made-up numbers

Student B · Grade 6 ELA · score 452

Level: 452 is between 450 and 469, so it is Level 3: proficient.

Section credits: Reading 20 of 26, Writing from Sources 7 of 14.

Reading: 20 ÷ 26 = 0.77 → about 77% of the credits Writing: 7 ÷ 14 = 0.50 → 50% of the credits

What to do next: Reading is strong. Writing is the part to grow. Ask the teacher for a writing rubric, and practice writing a paragraph that uses 2 details from a text, once a week.

Example with made-up numbers

Student C · Grade 6 Math · score 490

Level: 490 is between 485 and 509, so it is Level 4: excels.

Points above the Level 4 start = 490 − 485 = 5 points

What to do next: Keep the habit going and add a challenge: a math club, a contest, or harder puzzles. Goal100's Extras (not graded) have competition practice.

What the scores are used for, and what they are not

✅ Used for

  • Showing how your child did on the grade's learning standards.
  • Showing how schools, districts and the state are doing.
  • A conversation starter with the teacher.

🚫 Not used for

  • Your child's transcript or permanent record (NYSED's sample report says grades 3-8 results are for diagnostic purposes).
  • Promotion or placement based solely or primarily on these tests (NYSED's parent FAQ says state rules do not allow it).
  • Report card grades: those are separate (see our report card guide).

When do reports arrive?

  1. April 5 – May 14, 2027Testing window for grades 3-8 ELA and math. Each school picks its own days inside the window. ELA and math each have two sessions on two days.
  2. By May 21, 2027Schools send answer sheets for scanning.
  3. SummerScoring and checking.
  4. Late summer to fallIn 2025, NYSED said it expected results to be available in September. Schools then share each student's report with families.
  5. FallTalk with the teacher. Bring the report and the questions below.

Your school decides how reports get to you (a portal, mail, or backpack). If you have not received one by late fall, ask the main office.

Questions to ask the teacher

Check marks stay only on this device.

English learners, students with disabilities, and high school

Every student takes part in state testing. ELLs and students with disabilities (IEP or 504 plan) take the same tests with accommodations, and a small number of students take the alternate test (NYSAA). These guides explain how.

📅 The whole school year

Quizzes, projects, marking periods, a weighted average calculator and the 2026-27 state test calendar: Tests, projects and grades all year.

🧭 Results for every student

Regents scores, English learner tests and students with disabilities (IEP or 504 plan): State test results for every student.

🛠️ Help on test day

Extra time, separate location, tests read and ELL accommodations: Testing accommodations.

Questions people ask

Is the test timed?

NYSED's 2025 parent FAQ says the grades 3-8 ELA, math and science tests are untimed. Ask your school about the current year.

Can I compare this year with last year?

NYSED says ELA and math scale scores can be compared across years since 2023, when the tests were updated to the Next Generation standards.

Is there a state science test in grade 6?

No. The grades 3-8 science tests are in grade 5 and grade 8. Grade 6 has ELA and math.

Can I get the report in another language?

NYSED offers translations of its parent materials. See NYSED's Parent Resources page in the Sources list, or ask your school.

Does Goal100 change test scores or grades?

No. Goal100 is practice. It never changes a test score or a report card grade.

Official sources

Rules can change. If a link and this page ever disagree, the official page wins.