According to the New York State Education Department, New York State English Language Arts (ELA) and Math assessments for grades 3-8 will be aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS) in 2013. Kaplan understands that the shift towards the CCLS is no small undertaking so the updated 2012-2013 New York Test Companion program provides the resources you need to make the transition.

The 2012-2013 New York Test Companion program is aligned to the Common Core Learning Standards, and includes:

• New ELA full-length practice tests with increased Lexile levels
• Mathematics instruction focused on grade-specific CCLS content with increased rigor
• Effective methods for students to prepare for Next Generation Assessments

Kaplan Test Companion: New York State Test helps students practice demonstrating what they know in the format of the state test and is an ideal companion to Kaplan's other New York State Test offerings.

• Teachers can measure student acquisition of specific standards to determine if they need to re-teach or review a concept.
• Students can practice applying their knowledge of rigorous New York State Standards in the format of the current New York State Test.
• Standards alignments and robust answer keys and explanations help teachers identify student needs based on results.
• Sixteen 30-minute quizzes and one full-length practice test allow you to assess student learning and use the data to drive instructional decisions.