What are the New York State Math Exams and why are they important?
What does the PTA have to do with the New York State Math Exams?
My kids hate math. Why would they want to do even more math than they are doing now?
We don’t live in New York. Is this relevant to me?
Those are great questions, and it is fair to be skeptical.
In this article, we’ll address each of them and hopefully turn you from a skeptic to a supporter.
The Basics
ForOurSchool.org helps schools host Read-A-Thons and Math-A-Thons, fundraisers where students read or solve math problems for pledges from friends or family.
With our latest update, schools can now host a Math-A-Thon aligned with the New York State Math Exam, giving students a fun, motivating way to practice the same skills tested each spring.
What are the New York State Math Exams and why are they important?
The New York State Math Exams are federally required tests that measure whether students in grades 3-8 meet state learning standards. They’re usually given in late April or early May.
Results can influence what academic support a student receives, and fo selective schools like Hunter College High School, 5th-grade math and ELA exam scores are part of the admissions criteria.
These exams are often students’ first exposure to state-level testing. Even when the results don’t directly affect their future, schools want students to feel confident and prepared, which is where fun practice opportunities like Math-A-Thons come in.
What does the PTA have to do with the New York State Math Exams?
PTAs don’t administer the exams, but they play a big role in helping students succeed. Hosting fun, school-wide events, like Read-A-Thons, Book Fairs, or Math-A-Thons, bring families together while supporting learning.
By running a Math-A-Thon that aligns with the state test, PTAs can raise money and help students feel more confortable with the kinds of math questions they’ll see in April. Win-win!
My kids hate math. Why would they want to do even more math than they are doing now?
As Mr. Ed, a 5th grade math teacher at P.S. 107 in Brooklyn, says:
To be a math person, you only need to take two steps:
- Be a person
- Do math
Many kids say they dislike math because they are afraid of making mistake. Math-A-Thons give them a safe, supportive way to practice that includes hints, step-by-step guidance, and encouragement for every problem solved.
We don’t live in New York. Is this relevant to me?
Absolutely! Math is math.
Even if your school isn’t in New York, you can still host a Math-A-Thon using the other programs available. Students everywhere can benefit from extra practice and schools everywhere benefit from a fundraiser that is both fun and educational.
Did we convince you? Visit ForOurSchool.org to see how easy it is to get started.
Make Fundraising Fun and Educational
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