Business Council of Westchester Supports Governor’s Selection of Development Projects

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WPCNR DEVELOPMENT DAILY. From the Business Council of Westchester. August 12,  2014:

 Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of The Business Council of Westchester, today expressed her support for 25 projects – including several key ones in Westchester County — deemed as regional priorities by the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council (MHREDC). As a member of the MHREDC, Gordon played a critical role in choosing the region’s priorities.

The regional projects are for consideration for Round IV of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s Regional Council initiative. If awarded funding this fall, the projects have the potential to generate over $600 million in economic activity and the potential to create and retain more than 3,500 full-time jobs as well as create 3,700 construction jobs in the Mid-Hudson Region, which includes Sullivan, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester counties.

“The priority projects selected represent great opportunities for economic transformation in the Hudson Valley,” Gordon said. “We are especially pleased to see a diversity of projects, representing small business, infrastructure development in our urban centers, mixed use waterfront development, new tourism initiatives and a growing cluster in micro-brewing, which is also a boon to our agriculture and manufacturing sectors.”

Westchester projects include funds for a mixed-use development with commercial space, parking and 400 rental units aimed at revitalizing downtown Yonkers and its waterfront; building a 6,500 square foot waterfront restaurant as part of a larger $65 million mixed-use development along the Ossining waterfront; “daylighting” additional sections (Phase III) of the Saw Mill River in Yonkers; developing a historic museum at Sing Sing Prison; creating a revolving loan fund — a Hudson Valley Opportunity Fund – targeting minority, women and veteran owned small business and social enterprises; and designation of a New York Medical College Biotechnology Incubator to help biotechnology start-ups and emerging firms, among others.

A complete list of the MHREDC’s priorities can be found here.

The Governor has directed up to $750 million in State resources to be made available in 2014 to support the economic development priorities of all 10 regions and spur job creation across the state, including $220 million in competitive funds from Empire State Development.

In the first three rounds of the Regional Council initiative, the Mid-Hudson region was awarded $219.4 million in state support for 232 projects across the region.

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SCHOOLMASTERING THE COMMON COUNCIL AND THE CITY LEGAL TEAM ON GROUNDS FOR THE SPECIAL PERMIT IN THE R1-30 ZONE

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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. August 12, 2014 (The following letter was sent to the White Plains Mayor and Common Council and was shared with WPCNR:)

Dear Mayor and Common Council:

In our last email we mentioned how our big picture question “Why and how does this 53-acre construction project fit next to single family homes sitting on 1/3 and 1/2 acres in a residential neighborhood?. . .was never discussed in FASNY’s Environmental Analysis section of their Site Plan Submission.
 
Also in this same Site Plan Submission in the Cover Letter page 8 we found that FASNY is claiming that they are eligible for a Special Permit. . .
Please see:        http://johnmeyerconsulting.com/fasny/site-plan-special-permit-submission/
 
Unfortunately FASNY’s statement is not supported by the facts.  If anyone past or present has told the Common Council that you have to grant a Special Permit to a school. . .they really should have said it depends on the type of school. . . yes, a “public school” would be eligible. . .however,  a “private regional school campus” is not eligible for a Special Permit. 
Please see:         http://www.cityofwhiteplains.com/DocumentCenter/View/619
When you look over Section 5.2 List of Use Regulations for District R1-30 zoning you will find that:
→  One family dwelling is a “permitted use”                                                                                                                                                                     →  Churches or other places of worship are a “permitted use”                                                                                                              →  Public schools are a “permitted use
However:                                                                                                                                                                                                            →  Private secondary or elementary schools require a “special permit” (note the word “or”)
→  Independent unaffiliated “nursery schools” or day care centers” located with a permitted church, other place of worship, “membership club” or “public school” or “private secondary or elementary school”  (again note all of the times the word “or” is used)
FASNY defines itself as a “regional school campus” and this list of permitted uses and special permits are pretty specific with regard to the word “or” and a “regional school campus” is not mentioned anywhere and was never an intended activity either for R1-30 zoning or in the WP Comprehensive plan.
 
→  One family houses and public schools would be a permitted use in our R1-30 residential zoned neighborhood. . .however a “regional school campus” is not an allowable use for a Special Permit under the City’s Zoning Ordinance. . .contrary to what FASNY is stating on page 8 of their Site Plan Cover Letter.
 
→  And FASNY’s Conservancy would not be eligible for a Special Permit by Section 5.2 regulations.
Based on all the voluminous documents that FASNY has submitted, where we now know more about FASNY than any of the schools our own children have ever attended,  . .it would seem that FASNY would fit best in the City’s zoning designation titled “Campus Office” for its 53-acre combined nursery, elementary, middle and high school.
Of course that means FASNY would never fit within the R1-30 residential district of our neighborhood. . .however the “Campus Office (CO)” designation would allow for FASNY’s campus to be located in the Westchester Avenue/287 corridor where there are ample roadways to handle their volume of Vehicle Trips.
 
→  FASNY’s “regional school campus” not only doesn’t fit next to Gedney Farms private residences on 1/3 and 1/2 acre based on Character. . .it doesn’t fit by the City’s own Zoning, Comprehensive Plan and Special Permits regulations. . .and FASNY’s “regional school campus” is not permitted by law according to Section 5.2 of the WP zoning.
Our hindsight question. . .back 3 years ago if the City had other applicants wanting to build here in our residential neighborhood on 53 acres with 261,200 sq ft of buildings. . .and like FASNY which were not permitted under R1-30 Special Permits. . .for example if IBM wanted to construct an office and factory, if Marriott requested a hotel and conference center or let’s say someone else wanted a large scale detox treatment center. . .all the same building size as FASNY’s. . .would each of these review processes have dragged on for 3+ years like FASNY’s or would each of these projects have been killed early on in the review process by the City?
 
The bottom line is all of these other possible projects like FASNY. . .just would not fit. . .and are not allowed by WP regulations.
Would you consider FASNY’s statement that they have to be granted a Special Permit. . .more Spin, a misstatement?
We report. . .you decide.
Your Truth Police, Team Rhodes
Marie and Ron Rhodes
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WHITE PLAINS WEEK AND MIRIAM FLISSER ON SCARSDALE REVAL ON PEOPLE TO BE HEARD ON THE INTERNET NOW.

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KATZ

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BENEROFE

photo

BAILEY

ON

IRAQ WAR RESTART

FASNY RIDES AGAIN

THE NEW MYSTERIOUS CON ED CAPACITY CHARGE 

WHITE PLAINS PROPERTIES WORTH SAVING FOR THEIR HERITAGE–THE LIST.

THE 25% WHITE PLAINS OFFICE VACANCY RATE.

AND ON

PEOPLE TO BE HEARD

THE COUNTY’S MOST RELEVANT INTERVIEW–

“WHERE PEOPLE WHO HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, HAVE THEIR SAY”

YOU’VE GOT

REVAL ON THE GROUND

MIRIAM FLISSER, CANDIDATE FOR HARRISON, SCARSADLE AND WHITE PLAINS COUNTUY LEGISLATURE DISTRICT 5 DISCUSSES THE ISSUES WITH JOHN BAILEY AND JIM BENEROFE
MIRIAM FLISSER, MAYOR WHO ORIGINATED THE SCARSDALE REAL ESTATE REVALUATION ON WHAT TO EXPECT 

MIRIAM LEAVITT-FLISSER

ON THE SCARSDALE REVAL

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE REVALUED AND WHAT HAPPENS

ISSUES WHITE PLAINS MUST CONSIDER IN ANY REVAL  AND MORE

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County Clerk WARNS of Telephone Warrant for Your Arrest Scam working this Area

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WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From the Westchester County Clerk Office.August 11, 2014:

: Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni cautions residents to beware of a new telephone scam spreading around the country that has recently emerged in upstate New York.

In this scam, victims receive calls from someone impersonating law enforcement or a local county agency official warning that a warrant will go out for their arrest if they fail to make a payment by the end of the business day.

“Local and law enforcement government agencies will never call to solicit payment over the phone for a warrant or summons,” stated Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni. This scam has been traced to several out-of-state telemarketing companies.

Clerk Idoni warns residents that if you receive these types of calls asking for payment over the phone, immediately hang up and call the local county or law enforcement agency where the caller claimed to be from to get verification.

If you have caller ID on your phone, you may wish to provide the number to that agency.

“Never provide your credit card or banking information to a call solicitation over the phone,” Idoni shared.  “While you may get a call from a legitimate bill collector on occasion, do not let the scam artist confuse you.  We are warning residents to be on alert, as this scam is growing throughout the country.”

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Unique 9/11 Benefit Event at White Plains Performing Arts Center: The Story of a Firefighter & Survivor of 9/11

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 WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From the White Plains Performing Arts Center. August 11, 2014:
 Premiering at the White Plains Performing Arts Center on September 5th and 7th 2014, to commemorate the anniversary of September 11th, Reality Theatre Productions™ presents, “IN SESSION with DR. MARK LERNER” featuring Firefighter Bobby Senn, Directed by Jeremy Quinn.
All proceeds will be donated to the 9/11 Tribute Center which funds the 9/11 Memorial at the former World Trade Center site and contributes to victims of 9/ll, the box office said. Tickets are $30 at the front of the house, and $20 at the back. Tickets may be purchased through the box office by calling 914-328-1600
 
Reality Theatre Productions™ is an innovative theatrical genre, created and originated by Executive Producer Mark D. Lerner, where real people share real stories that inspire and enlighten audiences. While improvisation is spontaneous and presented without preparation, Reality Theatre Productions is a neoteric, unscripted, structured theatrical genre. 
 
“IN SESSION with DR. MARK LERNER,” featuring Firefighter Bobby Senn, marks the inception of Reality Theatre Productions. It is an auspicious production in which Dr. Lerner presents as a psychologist* and speaker.
Bobby Senn presents as a patient† and speaker who shares his story as a New York City Firefighter who survived the attacks on September 11th. This premier production features a special appearance by Broadway actor, David Gabriel Lerner (AEA).
 
While our nation is focused on mental illness, “IN SESSION with DR. MARK LERNER” fosters emotional wellness – an awareness, understanding and acceptance of one’s feelings and an ability to manage through challenges and change. This timely production “infotains” audiences with remarkable stories of distinguished people who have lived through and overcome adversity.
 
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Pressure on Common Council to start the questioning , adhoc advocates of FASNY denial write

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WPCNR LETTER TICKER. August 10, 2014 (The following was shared with WPCNR by the authors)::
Dear Members of the Common Council:
We are sending this request just to you. . .and not the Mayor and other City Staff employees.
The August 7th email to you from Carry Kyzivat deserves your full attention. . .and serious consideration as there a lot of residents of White Plains like Carry and ourselves questioning the transparency and honesty of the City’s “FASNY review process”.
As Council members we admire your public service and the toll your part-time commitment takes on your professions, family and personal time.
We imagine the FASNY submissions have been particularly difficult because there have been so many pages of documents and resultant changes along the way. . . that we realize some of you may not have studied all the FASNY documents to the extent some of us residents have.  So Carry’s question of who is helping and advising you is critical.
If the answer is no one is helping and advising you and you are reading all of the submissions yourself. . .then you, like us, are aware of all the FASNY misinformation, inaccuracies and misdirections that we have encountered so far.
Reviewing the FASNY documents is like the game we used to play with our children “Where’s Waldo” except with the FASNY submissions when we search and find information. . .it always ends up to be misinformation.
In the opinion of many this whole FASNY review process has been “flawed”. . .and it leads us to wonder:
Who is giving the Council legal opinion that the review process you are following, including not asking questions. . .is right according to the law?
Could those giving you input be interpreting the law incorrectly or could there be other interpretations?
Are City Staff and outside consultants covered by the City ethics codes?  Does the City have Ethic codes?
The reason we ask is that we have been looking at WP regulations. . .and will report our findings to you in future emails. . .however we can tell you now. . .nothing in the WP regulations we found supports approving this FASNY project. . .and common sense would tell most of you that this project does not fit with any residential neighborhood in WP.
Even searching our memory of past Common Council reviews of major developer projects in WP. . .showed Council members have in fact asked many good questions. . .so who advised you to stay silent with the FASNY project before you?
Something strange is going on in our City. . .where this FASNY project, which is not supported by residents or WP regulations, is moving along with the Common Council, by your silence, participating in the process.  Is it possible for innocent Council members to be tainted by this review process?
Even if you have not made up your mind yet on the FASNY project. . .you have to admit the “review process” is flawed….
And if so should you take action right now. . .so as the “FASNY review process” continues at the least it is honest and transparent?
We report. . .you decide.
Marie and Ron Rhodes
P.S.  In line with our comments above. . . .If anyone past or present has told the Common Council that you have to grant a Special Permit to a school. . .they really should have said it depends on the type of school. . . yes a “public school” would be eligible. . .however a “private regional school campus” is not eligible for a Special Permit.  We’ll give you the details in our next email on Special Permits.
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Legislator Jenkins Proposes Legislation to lease Playland to Central Amusements and Standard Amusements before Legislators “review” those firms’ Proposals.

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From the Westchester County Board of Legislators with a WPCNR interview with Ken Jenkins.  August 8, 2014  (Edited)

County Legislator Kenneth Jenkins announced today that he has introduced legislation to lease the Playland amusement area to a partnership comprised of Central Amusements and Standard Amusements, the two remaining respondents to the proposal to reinvent Playland, which was issued by County Executive Astorino in 2010.

Mr. Jenkins told WPCNR, the legislation is in the form of a “Bill-Memo” that has yet to be considered within committee yet. He said at this time, “no other legislator is buying into it yet, we haven’t even dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s yet.”

He described  the “bill memo” as an attempt to get both amusement companies to run Playland jointly, that would possibley get the County $3 million to pay the Playland debt service as early as 2015, while the firm or firms if a common lease could be hammered would invest $25 Million the park in refreshed rides, new rides, while preserving the historic one.

Jenkins said the proposals of the two firms had already been examined by the Board three years ago, and the firms have not altered their proposal and he said they have not altered it significantly. He said Legislator Peter Harckham’s committee when they take up the review process again in September could do what they wished. He said Harckham had not backed his joint proposal at this time.

Jenkins told WPCNR, both Central Amusements and Standard would pay for County Police security at the park, would allow free admission and charge for rides only; move county employees out of Playland and hire summer employees. He said the details of the lease had not been worked out, and that was part of the idea of submitting a “bill-memo” so the concept of how a joint deal might be worked out. “Everybody participates adds, takes away, and shapes the final bill.”

The proposed legislation will be referred to committee at the next regular meeting of the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) on September 8, 2014, after it was held over at the last BOL meeting on August 4, 2014 by Minority Leader John Testa (R-Peekskill).

Editor’s Note:The legislation is being introduced before the new review of Central Amusements and Standard Amusements “visions” and financials for Playland should they take it over, even begins. That review is not scheduled until September, reported County Legislator Benjamin Boykin to WPCNR Tuesday evening. 

The proposed legislation that Jenkins has introduced to enter into a lease agreement to operate the Playland amusement area with Central Amusements and Standard Amusements is modeled on the County’s lease with the Children’s Museum to operate at Playland  which was adopted unanimously by the BOL after being vetoed by County Executive Astorino.

Editor’s Note: the lease with the Children’s Museum  was for a lease fee of $1 a year, with the Museum investing, at last indication,$10 Million in money to fill the bathhouse with attractions.  The organization has yet to raise the $10 Million, after the county invested over $8 Million in renovating the North Bathhouse for the museum which the county is not expecting to be paid back. In return, Mr. Jenkins told WPCNR  this afternoon, the Museum would invest $8 to $12 Million in fleshing out the museum.

“The combined talents of these two world-class amusement operators and their confirmed investment of $25 million into Playland with a guaranteed minimum payment to Westchester County is a win-win-win situation for this great park’s future and the county’s taxpayers,” said Jenkins. “I am hopeful that this legislation can be considered and adopted in time to positively impact the 2015 County Budget.”

Lawsuit Against Astorino Management Agreement Is Withdrawn.

 
Westchester County Legislator Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers)also  announced today that the lawsuit challenging the management agreement between Westchester County and Sustainable Playland, Inc. (SPI) has been terminated, now that Sustainable Playland has withdrawn from consideration.

“Filing a lawsuit was the only option after County Executive Astorino entered into the management agreement with Sustainable Playland without the approval of the Board of Legislators, which is required for any County contract that exceeds five years,” said Jenkins. “The SPI agreement crumbled under the scrutiny of the Board of Legislators’ review process.  The truth, though, is that this management agreement should have never been authorized by the Board of Acquisition and Contract in the first place without the approval of the Board of Legislators.”

Yonkers attorney Evan Inlaw represented Jenkins and entered into an agreement to terminate the legal action after receiving a copy a letter, which is attached to this press release, from SPI to County Executive Astorino, noting that the not-for-profit organization was exercising its right to terminate the Asset Management Agreement it had signed with Westchester County to revitalize Playland.

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The Mosquito Coast: Deploy the Repellents County Says. West Nile Virus Detected in County Mosquitos

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WPCNR HEALTH WATCH. From the Westchester County Department of Health. August 7, 20014:

 The Westchester County Department of Health has learned for the first time this year that a mosquito batch has tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The mosquito batch had been collected by County Health Department staff in New Rochelle and sent to the New York State Department of Health for testing. Last year, seven positive mosquito batches were found in Westchester County and two human cases of West Nile Virus were reported.  So far this year, there have been no reported human cases.

“This is the time of year when we typically start to identify mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus in Westchester,” said Sherlita Amler, MD. “While it should not be a major cause for concern, it would be prudent for residents to use repellents when outdoors from dusk to dawn to avoid mosquito bites altogether.”

The Health Department will continue to trap and test mosquitoes and survey catch basins for mosquito larvae or standing water. No standing water was found near the trap that contained the mosquitoes that had West Nile virus, but catch basins on nearby streets will be re-inspected and retreated with larvicide as needed.

The Health Department prepared for the summer mosquito season by applying larvicide to catch basins throughout the county in an effort to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus.

The Health Department recommends that residents:

  • Use insect repellent if you must spend time outdoors in the late afternoon and evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding. Be sure to follow the label instructions. Adults can apply insect repellents with up to 10% DEET once a day on infants over 2 months of age by applying the product to their own hands and then rubbing it onto their children, avoiding their hands.  Products containing DEET should not be used on children under 2 months of age. Instead, consider keeping them indoors when mosquitoes are most active, at dusk and dawn.
  • Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks when outdoors in the late afternoon or early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding.
  • Check their property for buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that should be discarded or turned over.
  • Remove standing water from children’s toys and play houses left outside.
  • Remove discarded tires.
  • Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are left outdoors.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets and wheelbarrows when not in use.
  • Change the water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
  • Sweep driveways after it rains to clear puddles.
  • Keep storm drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas and hot tubs and drain water that collects on their covers.

Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property that could serve as potential mosquito breeding grounds should report this to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000. For more health information, Like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/wchealthdept, Follow us on Twitter @wchealthdept or visit our website, www.westchestergov.com/health.

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State Releases HALF the questions on 2014 Assessment Tests.

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS.From the New York State Education Department (Edited). August 7:

As WPCNR and White Plains Week first reported  last June, and again reported last week, the New York State Education Department  released approximately 50 percent of the questions used on the 2014 Grades 3 – 8 assessments Wednesday.

The released questions will, the Department said in a news release, help students, families, educators, and the public understand the breadth and depth with which the state tests measure college and career readiness.

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Education Commissioner  John King, Jr.(center) after a meeting of the Westchester Business Council June  11 when he first said in response to a WPCNR question, that Common Core Assessment Test Questions would be released this month.

“The test questions we are releasing today (Wednesday), coupled with item level data analysis and instructional reports made available in July, are important components of a comprehensive approach to instructional planning and professional development,” said   Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr.  “We’ve listened to New York State educators make the case that having more test questions available would benefit our kids so we’ve doubled the number and provided a thorough explanation for every student response.”

The released questions represent a range of difficulty and illustrate how student performance is assessed in accordance with the learning expectations and instructional shifts established by the New York State Common Core Learning Standards.  Released questions can help inform classroom instruction and local assessment practices.

The released questions are posted here: https://www.engageny.org/resource/new-york-state-common-core-sample-questions 

For each released multiple-choice question, explanations are provided, detailing how the question measures the intended learning standard and why the right answer is correct and why wrong answers are incorrect.

For constructed response questions, several examples of student work are provided, with explanations of why the responses received the scores they did.

“New York State students and their teachers are rising to the challenge,” said Regents Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch.  “Educators can use this information together with student work from throughout the school year to help understand whether their instruction, assignments and classroom assessments reflect the rigor and depth of our learning standards and our statewide assessments.”

The 3-8 assessments are only one indicator among multiple measures of student performance and are intended to be used in conjunction with other tools to gauge student performance, educator effectiveness and school accountability. All Regional Information Centers (RICs) offer reports that allow educators to see the percentage of students that answered each test question correctly and (for released test questions) the percentage of students who selected each incorrect response.

This year, NYSED requested additional funding in the New York State Budget to increase the number of test forms – because more test forms would enable the Department to release more test questions and eliminate stand-alone multiple choice field tests. The request was not funded in this year’s budget.

The federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) requires that states annually administer tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics in grades 3 – 8 and high school. The 2014 Grades 3–8 Common Core ELA and Mathematics New York State Testing Program (NYSTP) has been designed to measure student knowledge and skills as defined by grade-level New York state standards in ELA and Mathematics.

A wide range of resources are available to parents and educators on State Assessments:

Performance Level Descriptions for 3-8 ELA and Math Tests that describe the knowledge and skills students should display at each performance level:

https://www.engageny.org/resource/performance-level-descriptions-for-ela-and-mathematics

Suggested analyses for 3-8 ELA and Math Tests that support student learning:

https://www.engageny.org/resource/suggested-data-analyses-for-3-8-ela-and-mathematics-state-tests

Test Guides for each grade and subject that contain specific details about the number of questions on each test, which standards are measured on each test, and how students will be graded on their performance:

https://www.engageny.org/resource/test-guides-for-english-language-arts-and-mathematics

Item and passage selection criteria for the 3-8 Assessments:

https://www.engageny.org/resource/new-york-state-passage-selection-resources-for-grade-3-8-assessments

https://www.engageny.org/resource/new-york-state-item-review-criteria-for-grade-3-8-english-language-arts-tests

At the high school level new Regents exams aligned to the NYS Common Core learning standards are being phased in and the complete exams were posted in June.

The Common Core Regents Exam in ELA (including annotated questions) is posted at:

https://www.engageny.org/resource/spring-2014-regents-examination-ela-common-core-resources

The Common Core Regents Exam in Algebra I (including annotated questions) is posted at:

https://www.engageny.org/resource/spring-2014-regents-examination-mathematics-algebra-i-common-core-resources

 

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