Book excerpt: Learn how to prepare today’s fourth grade students for the New York State English Language Arts Test! This teacher's guide offers best practices and instructions for how to use the New York State Assessment: Preparing for Next Generation Success: English Language Arts Grade 4 practice books in classroom settings. These books provide opportunities for both guided and independent practice to prepare students for the standardized assessment. With the useful tools in this teacher’s guide, educators can easily incorporate these engaging, rigorous practice exercises into daily learning to expand students’ knowledge and set them up for 21st century success. • Use the teacher tips and focused lessons for quick implementation • Boost confidence and reduce testing anxiety by using practice tests to improve student performance • Ensure students are comfortable with a range of question formats, various types of texts, and higher-level questions • Help students prepare for tests measuring NYS Next Generation Learning Standards