By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – When Buffalo Public school students in grades thrid through eight headed out of the classroom for their holiday-winter break, they were handed a study packet to take home.
For the first time, the Buffalo Public School District sent home a holiday study guide. It is designed to help prepare students for next month's New York State Language Arts Assessments.
School district communications director Heather Rose Groll says after losing six days of instruction back in October due to the surprise storm, the district decided it was time for students to catch up. The state begins its Language Arts exam January 8th for third and fifth graders. Testing wraps up January 19th for 8th graders.
Buffalo Schools Superintendent Dr. James Williams says it is the district's goal to improve student achievement, and Groll says they are working to help improve student state test scores in English.
The study guide includes practice tests. Groll says teachers will correct the prep materials when students return with completed packets. It encourages parents to work with their children.