In the past, the statewide writing assessment has been administered in the fall. Beginning with the 2007-08 school year, the testing window for this assessment will be moved to the spring.

In addition to the change in date, schools will see changes to the assessment itself. The Department of Education has issued a Request for Proposals to develop a new statewide paper-pencil writing test. The test will be administered to two, possibly three, grade levels, which have yet to be determined.

The department is reviewing RFPs now and expects to award a contract this fall. Questions about the statewide writing assessment can be directed to Carla Leingang, Department of Education, at (605) 773-8196.