From Dr. J. Harnett: Key NYSAA/Kite Updates & Required Actions for Schools
For a copy of the text from Dr. Harnett’s original emails, visit this document.
Below are highlights and important updates summarized from Dr. Harnett’s emails.
2025–26 NYSAA Test Window & Critical Deadlines
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Test Window: Monday, March 9, 2026 through Friday, June 5, 2026.
- All assessments must be completed or Special Circumstance Codes entered by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026.
- This is a hard close with no exceptions.
- Do not wait until the final days to test or enter codes.
- See additional information about Special Circumstance Codes below.
- Refer to the School Administrator’s Manual (SAM) for guidance on all testing procedures.
Checklist & Test Preparation
- District Test Coordinators (DTCs) and Building Test Coordinators (BTCs) should use the Assessment Coordinator Checklist (Appendix C in the SAM) to remain on schedule.
- Teachers should review the Educator Checklist (Appendix D in the SAM) to ensure readiness.
- First Contact Surveys (FCSs) and Personal Needs & Preferences (PNPs):
- Must be reviewed and updated every year.
- Accurate updates are critical, as they generate the first testlet for this adaptive assessment.
- They must be completed for all eligible students.
- All FCS and PNPs need to be completed by February 13, 2026 for participation in the spring assessment.
Special Circumstance Codes
- If a student cannot participate in the NYSAA, a Special Circumstance Code must be entered:
- Only DTCs and BTCs may enter these codes.
- Codes are school-year specific and subject specific.
- Codes must be entered before the testing window closes.
- New: Special Circumstance Codes may now be entered prior to the testing window opening.
- Refer to the Special Circumstance Code Directions for detailed instructions.
Student Enrollment & Verification in Kite
- DTCs and BTCs must verify all NYSAA students in Kite, even if no students are testing. This must be done after the state data upload is complete (after Nov 19).
- Confirm that State IDs (NYSSIS) are being used for each student.
- State NYSSIS IDs are 10-digit IDs.
- Do not use local district IDs.
- Incorrect IDs prevent the state from linking test results to the student.
- Confirm each student is designated as NYSAA on their IEP.
- Verify Dates of Birth (DOB) and grade level alignment using the Birthdate Chart.
- DOB determines testing grade level and subjects; adjust the grade level in Kite to match the chart.
- Students whose DOB does not fall into any of the ranges on the chart should not be tested, unless they are exiting high school and have never taken a high school NYSAA.
- High School students whose DOB appears on the Birthdate Chart must be enrolled as 9th graders in Kite, regardless of their actual seated grade level (this does not affect local school enrollment systems).
- Confirm the student is enrolled in your district and the correct school building in Kite.
- Data inaccuracies (IDs, DOBs, grades) continue to be identified statewide—verification is essential.
Account Setup, Training, and Rostering
- Before Nov 17, DTCs/BTCs should have ensured:
- All teachers have activated Kite accounts.
- All staff have signed the Security Agreement.
- All test administrators have completed the required online DLM training (opened Sept 30).
- Verify staff completion using Data Extract Reports in Kite (Reports → Data Management).
- After Nov 19, DTCs may begin the rostering and student verification process.
Technology & IT Preparation
- Coordinate with District IT teams:
Assessment Resources & Required Documents
WIDA Alternate Assessment Participation Opportunity
- WIDA will replace the NYSESLAT in the 2026-27 school year.
- The WIDA has alternate assessments for multilingual learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities.
- WIDA seeks educator participants for item review and alternate assessment development events (in-person and virtual). Educators who have experience working with multilingual learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities are invited to apply.
- Interested educators should complete the WIDA participation survey. WIDA will contact selected participants on a rolling basis throughout the 2025-2026 school year.
- Questions should be emailed directly to help@wida.wisc.edu (not to NYSED).
Ongoing Communications & Reminders
- Subscribe to NYSAA DLM Test Updates to receive ongoing notifications.
- Subscribe once and forget it! No need to re-subscribe each year. Just let us know if your email address changes.
- Get test updates via email: Subscribe automatically
- Automatic subscription not working? Subscribe manually
- Email NYSED’s NYSAA Program Manager for district-specific support (e.g., student transfers): Dr. Jacqueline Harnett, jacqueline.harnett@nysed.gov
