New York Considers Return to Paper-and-Pencil Exams
New York State education officials are considering allowing schools in New York City to return to paper-and-pencil standardised tests for pupils in grades 3 to 8, just months after completing a years-long transition to computer-based testing. The proposal follows a letter signed by more than half of New York City Council members, calling on state authorities to grant an exemption from mandatory digital testing.
The request comes amid growing efforts to reduce technology use and screen time in classrooms. This academic year, New York City education officials banned individual digital devices for children from pre-kindergarten through second grade and introduced recommended daily screen time limits of 30 to 45 minutes for pupils in grades 3 to 8. Council members argue that mandatory computer-based testing puts pressure on schools to increase screen exposure and digital test preparation, contradicting efforts to reduce technology use in education.
The New York State Education Department said it was reviewing the request and would provide further information in the coming weeks. State officials have spent years transitioning schools to computer-based assessments, citing benefits such as faster marking and adaptive testing, which adjusts questions according to pupils’ ability levels. Allowing exemptions from the digital testing requirement could therefore mark a significant shift in the state's education policy.