According to a release from the Department of Education, next year’s state assessments will be more difficult. “We’re building a ladder, grade by grade, to college and career readiness,” Education Commissioner John B. King Jr. said. “Next school year, we start to implement reforms to make that ladder strong enough to support all our students as they climb toward college and career readiness.”

Cunningham said that the West Hempstead district continues to look for ways to provide support to struggling students, and to ensure that all students reach a higher level of achievement. “At the middle school, we have double periods of math and language arts,” he said. “We’re kind of varying that model a bit going into the new school year. But we need to focus more on getting students to a higher proficiency level.”

Hunderfund said that Malverne would also gear up for next year’s exams. “It’s a challenge,” he said. “We want everyone to excel.”