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 |
SD ELA and Math General Education Assessments |
3-8, 11 |
March 8 – May 7, 2021 |
SD ELA and Math Alternate Assessments |
3-8, 11 |
March 15 – April 30, 2021 |
South Dakota Science |
5, 8, 11 |
March 8 – May 7, 2021 |
South Dakota Science Alt |
5, 8, 11 |
March 8 – May 7, 2021 |
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) |
4 and 8 |
Postponed to Spring 2022 |
WIDA EL Assessments (ACCESS) |
K-12 |
Jan. 25 - March 12, 2021 |
Home School Students |
4, 8, and 11 |
March 22 - April 16, 2021 |