Testing Information

South Dakota State Assessments

 

The goal of the South Dakota Department of Education is that all high school students graduate college, career, and life ready. To this aim, the South Dakota assessment system is designed to provide districts, schools, and parents with the information they need to ensure that their students remain on track to reach this goal. South Dakota public school students participate in annual summative testing in English language arts and mathematics and the results of these tests are included in the state accountability system. In addition to annual tests in English language arts and mathematics, South Dakota requires assessment of science and writing annually and provides schools and teachers with resources to utilize other assessments to help identify strengths and areas for improvement.  

South Dakota DOE Assessment Resources

SD DOE Testing Dates for 2020-2021 school year

Required Assessment

Tested Grade Level

2020-21 Test Window
(all dates tentative)

SD ELA and Math General Education Assessments
Subject: English language arts, Math

3-8, 11

March 8 – May 7, 2021

SD ELA and Math Alternate Assessments
Subject: English language arts, Math

3-8, 11
Students with most severe cognitive disabilities

March 15 – April 30, 2021

South Dakota Science
Subject: Science

5, 8, 11

March 8 – May 7, 2021

South Dakota Science Alt
Subject: Science

5, 8, 11
Students with most severe cognitive disabilities

March 8 – May 7, 2021

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
Subject: Reading, Math, (every other year)

4 and 8

Postponed to Spring 2022

WIDA EL Assessments (ACCESS)
Subject: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening

K-12

Jan. 25 - March 12, 2021

Home School Students
Subject: Reading and Math

4, 8, and 11

March 22 - April 16, 2021
(state provided)