Office Of Assessment
South Dakota public school students participate in annual summative testing in English language arts and mathematics. The results of these tests are included in the state accountability system. South Dakota also requires annual assessment of science and writing.
South Dakota Assessment Gateway: Online portal for SD ELA and Math, Science, and Science-Alt Assessments
| Name of Required Assessment | Tested Grade Level | 2025-26 Test Window |
|---|---|---|
| SD ELA and Math Assessments
Subject: English Language Arts, Math |
3-8 | March 30 - May 8, 2026 |
| SD ELA and Math Alternate Assessments
Subject: English Language Arts, Math |
3-8, 11 Students with most severe cognitive disabilities |
March 9 - April 24, 2026 |
| ACT
Subject: English, Reading, Math, Science, Writing |
11 | Window 1: Feb. 24-27, March 2-6 Window 2: March 10-13, March 16-20 Window 3: March 24-27, March 30-31, April 1-3 |
| SD Science Assessment
Subject: Science |
5, 8 | March 30 - May 8, 2026 |
| SD Science Alternate Assessment
Subject: Science |
5, 8, 11 Students with most severe cognitive disabilities |
March 30 - May 8, 2026 |
| National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
Subject: Reading, Math, (every other year) |
4 and 8 Only a sample of schools is chosen |
Jan. 26 - March 20, 2026 |
| SD English Language Proficiency Assessment (ACCESS 2.0)
Subject: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening |
K-12 For students identified as English Learners |
Jan. 27 - Feb. 27, 2026 |
| Name of OPTIONAL Assessment | Tested Grade Level | 2025-26 Test Window |
|---|---|---|
| Interim Assessment Blocks (IABs) Focused Interim Assessment Blocks (FIABs) Subject: English Language Arts, Math, Science |
3-8 | Aug. 11, 2025- May 22, 2026 |
| Interim Comprehensive Assessment (ICA)
Subject: English Language Arts, Math |
3-8 | Window 1: Aug. 11, 2025 - Nov. 28, 2025 Window 2: Dec. 1, 2025 - Mar. 6, 2026 |
Special Education- accommodations and supports
- Accommodation Memo
- Districtwide Assessment Policy Guidance
- Reading Passages (Gr 3-5)
- Reading Passages (Gr 6-11)
- Special Accommodation Consideration
- Print on Demand