Part One: developing, communicating and sustaining an educational vision 13
A board meeting is scheduled two weeks ahead. Under Public Officers Law 104, how early must notice be posted in a designated public location?New York Public Officers Law 104(1), Open Meetings Law, public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0003
A reporter sends the district a written Freedom of Information Law request for a record. Within what time must the district grant it, deny it in writing or acknowledge it?New York Public Officers Law 89(3)(a), Freedom of Information Law, public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0003
Education Law 1709 places "the superintendence, management and control of the educational affairs of the district" in whose hands?New York Education Law 1709(33), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0001
For how long may a board of education contract with its superintendent of schools under Education Law 1711?New York Education Law 1711(3), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0001
Show all 54 questions (50 more)
Part One: developing, communicating and sustaining an educational vision, continued
How does a member of the Board of Regents reach office under Education Law 202?New York Education Law 202(1), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0001
How may a board of education go into executive session under section 105 of the Public Officers Law?New York Public Officers Law 105(1), Open Meetings Law, public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0003
In talks with the teachers' association, a superintendent uses Fisher and Ury's principled negotiation. What does the method tell the parties to focus on?Wikipedia, "Getting to Yes". Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0004
Peter Senge's five disciplines of a learning organization are systems thinking, personal mastery, mental models, team learning and which fifth?Wikipedia, "The Fifth Discipline". Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0002
Under Education Law 305, who executes the educational policies that the Board of Regents determines?New York Education Law 305(1), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0001
Under Education Law 1711, what part does the superintendent of a union free school district take when the board of education deliberates?New York Education Law 1711(2)(a), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0001
Which action may a board never take by formal vote in executive session under Public Officers Law 105?New York Public Officers Law 105(1), Open Meetings Law, public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0003
Which principle of the New York State Code of Ethics for Educators speaks of "building trust and respecting confidentiality"?New York State Education Department, New York State Code of Ethics for Educators. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0001
Who is the executive officer of a board of cooperative educational services under Education Law 1950?New York Education Law 1950(2), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea I, Objective 0001
Part One: supervising districtwide change and accountability 13
A cabinet that prizes harmony approves a plan without testing it, and members keep their doubts to themselves. What did Irving Janis call this?Wikipedia, "Groupthink". Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0007
A cohort of 240 first-time ninth graders gains 6 transfers in and loses 12 verified transfers out. Four years on, 195 have a regular diploma. What is the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate?Our own figures, worked out again; the method is 20 U.S.C. 7801(25), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0007
Campbell's law warns district leaders about a quantitative indicator that is used for high-stakes decisions. What does it predict?Wikipedia, "Campbell's law". Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0008
Federal law requires state and district report cards to show per-pupil expenditures. At what level of detail?20 U.S.C. 6311(h)(1)(C)(x), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0008
Grade 8 math proficiency rose from 38% of 500 students tested to 44% of 450 tested. How did the number of proficient students change?Our own figures, worked out again. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0007
In the nominal group technique, what do members do before any idea is discussed?Wikipedia, "Nominal group technique". Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0007
School A spends $9.6 million on 640 pupils. School B spends $7.2 million on 400 pupils. Which statement about per-pupil spending is correct?Our own figures, worked out again. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0008
The state identifies a school for comprehensive support and improvement. Under 20 U.S.C. 6311(d), how does the district develop the school's improvement plan?20 U.S.C. 6311(d)(1)(B), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0005
Three elementary schools enroll 300, 500 and 200 pupils, with attendance rates of 96%, 90% and 95%. What is the attendance rate of the three together?Our own figures, worked out again. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0007
Transportation staff chart bus complaints as bars in descending order with a line of the running total, to find the few causes behind most complaints. What chart is this?Wikipedia, "Pareto chart". Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0007
Under the Every Student Succeeds Act, which public high schools must a state identify for comprehensive support and improvement because of their graduation results?20 U.S.C. 6311(c)(4)(D), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0008
What long-range plan must every school district prepare and update annually under 8 NYCRR 155.1?8 NYCRR 155.1(a)(4), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0006
What share of all students, and of each subgroup, must a state's accountability system annually measure on the required assessments under 20 U.S.C. 6311?20 U.S.C. 6311(c)(4)(E), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part One (103), Subarea II, Objective 0008
Part Two: leading the district educational program 17
A board of education abolishes a teaching position. Whose services are discontinued under Education Law 3013?New York Education Law 3013(2), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0005
A board of education wants 16-year-olds who have no job to stay in school. What does Education Law 3205(3) let the board require?New York Education Law 3205(3), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0003
A district's professional learning plan is developed with a professional learning team under 8 NYCRR 100.2(dd). Who appoints the team, and who must be its majority?8 NYCRR 100.2(dd), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0004
A superintendent will recommend that a probationary teacher not receive tenure. How long before the board meeting must the teacher be notified under Education Law 3031?New York Education Law 3031(a), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0005
Before a board of education adopts its district-wide school safety plan, what does Education Law 2801-a require?New York Education Law 2801-a(6), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0003
For which pupils must a district provide transportation under Education Law 3635, measured by the nearest available route from home to school?New York Education Law 3635(1), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0003
How does New York's Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework say multiple expressions of diversity, such as race, language, religion and ability, are to be regarded?New York State Education Department, Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0001
How often must the holder of a professional certificate in the educational leadership service register with the department under Education Law 3006-a?New York Education Law 3006-a, public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0005
The professional learning plan required by 8 NYCRR 100.2(dd) must provide a mentoring program. Whom is that program meant to support?8 NYCRR 100.2(dd), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0004
Section 100.12 lists what an instructional computer technology plan must include. Which of these is on the list?8 NYCRR 100.12(b)(3), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0001
Under 8 NYCRR 155.17, whom does the district-wide school safety plan designate as the district chief emergency officer?8 NYCRR 155.17, Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0003
Under Part 154, when must a district provide bilingual education programs for English language learners in the next school year?8 NYCRR 154-2.3(d)(2), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0001
What must each school district designate for homeless children and youths under the McKinney-Vento Act?42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0003
Who appoints the district-wide school safety team under Education Law 2801-a?New York Education Law 2801-a(4), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0003
Who establishes a school district's committees on special education under Education Law 4402?New York Education Law 4402(1)(b)(1), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0001
Who is entitled to attend the public schools of the district where they live without paying tuition under Education Law 3202?New York Education Law 3202(1), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0003
Why must a school district develop and maintain an instructional computer technology plan under 8 NYCRR 100.12?8 NYCRR 100.12(a), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea I, Objective 0001
Part Two: managing district resources and compliance 11
A district must adopt a contingency budget. What limit does Education Law 2023 put on its tax levy?New York Education Law 2023(4)(a), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea II, Objective 0007
A proposed budget needs a tax levy above the district's tax levy limit. What share of the votes cast must approve it under Education Law 2023-a?New York Education Law 2023-a(6), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea II, Objective 0007
A teacher makes an oral report of suspected child abuse to the statewide central register. By when must a written report follow under Social Services Law 415?New York Social Services Law 415, public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea II, Objective 0008
Above what amounts does General Municipal Law 103 require a district to award contracts after advertising for sealed bids?New York General Municipal Law 103(1), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea II, Objective 0007
Above what share of the current school year budget do unexpended operating funds count as surplus under Real Property Tax Law 1318?New York Real Property Tax Law 1318(1), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea II, Objective 0007
How does Education Law 2023-a define the allowable levy growth factor in the property tax levy limit?New York Education Law 2023-a(2)(a), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea II, Objective 0007
In Campaign for Fiscal Equity v. State (2003), what did New York's Court of Appeals say the state constitution obliges the State to make available to all its children?New York Court of Appeals, Campaign for Fiscal Equity, Inc. v. State of New York, 2003 NY Int. 84 (June 26, 2003), Legal Information Institute copy. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea II, Objective 0008
On what day do union free and central school districts hold the annual budget vote and board election under Education Law 2022?New York Education Law 2022(1), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea II, Objective 0007
Teachers strike for one day in violation of the Taylor Law. What deduction does Civil Service Law 210 require from each striker's pay?New York Civil Service Law 210, Taylor Law, public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea II, Objective 0006
The teachers' contract expired in June and talks continue. What must the district do meanwhile under Civil Service Law 209-a?New York Civil Service Law 209-a(1)(e), public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea II, Objective 0006
Who may not serve on the audit committee that Education Law 2116-c requires a board of education to establish?New York Education Law 2116-c, public copy at newyork.public.law. Framework section: Part Two (104), Subarea II, Objective 0007
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the four subareas of the NYSTCE School District Leader Test Design and Assessment Framework, authorized for distribution by the New York State Education Department (https://www.nystce.nesinc.com/content/docs/NYELA_TestDesign_Frameworks_103-104.pdf, read 2026-10-14), in the shares of its multiple-choice questions: Part One (103), Developing, Communicating, and Sustaining an Educational Vision 30 and Supervising Districtwide Change and Accountability 30; Part Two (104), Leading the District Educational Program 37 and Managing District Resources and Compliance 23. The bank holds 13, 13, 17 and 11. Each rule was read on 2026-10-14 in the public text the question names: the New York Education Law, Public Officers Law, Civil Service Law, General Municipal Law, Real Property Tax Law and Social Services Law in the public copy at newyork.public.law; the Commissioner's Regulations (8 NYCRR), the U.S. Code and a 2003 opinion of the New York Court of Appeals in the Legal Information Institute's copies at law.cornell.edu; and pages of the New York State Education Department. Six questions on leadership and decision-making rest on Wikipedia articles that carried no warning banner that day. Four use figures of our own, and each answer was worked out again. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
How it works
This NYSTCE School District Leader practice test is SDL test prep: 54 questions of our own on both parts (103/104). It is unofficial and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the New York State Education Department or Pearson.
Read the full guide
The two parts
Part One (103) asks 30 multiple-choice questions on an educational vision and 30 on districtwide change and accountability. Part Two (104) asks 37 on the district educational program and 23 on resources and compliance. This bank keeps those shares: 13, 13, 17 and 11. Written assignments carry half of each part's score and are not marked here.
What the questions rest on
Thirty-six cite a section of New York law or the Commissioner's Regulations: the superintendent's seat at the board table, executive sessions, the tax levy limit, sealed bids, the Taylor Law, tenure notices, the safety plan. Five cite federal law, and four work with district figures.
Questions and answers
Is there a NYSTCE SDL study guide?
The NYSTCE site offers a preparation guide and a test design and assessment framework for the test. This page is separate, unofficial practice written to that framework.
What score do you need to pass the School District Leader test?
The test's own page gives a passing score of 220, not the 520 of New York's content specialty tests, and says candidates must take and pass both parts. A count of right answers on this page is not that score.
How long is the NYSTCE School District Leader test?
Each part has four hours of testing. Taken together, the two parts make an appointment of 8 hours 40 minutes, with a 40-minute lunch break between them.
Are these real SDL test questions?
No. Each question is our own, written from the framework and from the public text of the law it cites. Nothing comes from the real test or from the sample questions in its preparation guide.