Ocal Student Testing News Today

State Education Department officials insist that social studies retains its status as a core academic subject, along with English, math and science.

For the first time since the coronavirus shuttered schools in March 2020, the start of school on Long Island won't focus on the pandemic but on more traditional things, such as new sneakers and backpacks, seeing old friends and sharing summer stories.

Just over 40% of Long Island students taking New York's math tests passed their assessments, the latest sign that the COVID-19 pandemic has weakened academic achievement, according to a Newsday analysis of government records.

The scores fell at record rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting federal testing officials to conclude that the decline could potentially hinder the career plans of many young people. 

The annual exams are in English Language Arts and math. Long Island school officials are looking to boost not only results but participation, too.