Here is a useful resource.  It can be found either on the VISMT website
(www.vismt.org) or the new Vermont Intstitutes website
(www.vermontinstitutes.org) under "What's New" on the left hand side of the
home page.  Under 'What's New" its about the fourth notice from the top.

NEW STANDARDS REFERENCE EXAM (NSRE) GRADE 8 PRACTICE TEST AVAILABLE NOW!
(courtesy of Al Bianchi)
The purpose of this test is to have students:

   a) Practice using classroom resources while taking the NSRE,

    b) Practice writing responses that show their reasoning while not
writing a portfolio response, and

   c) Practice putting something down that shows some progress towards a
solution.  This may be achieved by utilizing their books, notebooks, or
other resources available in the classroom.