Dakota ELP, Feb. 4-22. The testing window for the Dakota English Language Proficiency test is Feb. 4-22. This assessment is designed to measure the English language proficiency of students identified as limited English proficient, or LEP. Administered annually, the assessment is augmented and aligned with the South Dakota English Language Proficiency standards and will be linked to the reading, math and eventually science content standards. For information: Dr. Sara Waring, Department of Education.

Dakota STEP-A, Feb. 4-March 14. The testing window for the Dakota STEP Alternate Assessment is Feb. 4-March 14. This assessment is required to be administered annually to students with significant cognitive disabilities at grades 3-8 and 11. Aligned with the state’s content standards, the Dakota STEP-A is designed to measure the skills of students with significant cognitive disabilities who are enrolled in special education programs and unable to participate in the Dakota STEP, even with necessary accommodations. For information: Linda Turner, Department of Education, at (605) 773-6119.

Dakota Writing Test, Feb. 25-29. The testing window for the state’s annual writing assessment is Feb. 25-29. Districts must administer the test to all students in grades 5, 7 and 10. An alternate writing assessment is available for students whose IEP warrant it. For information regarding the Dakota Writing Test: Carla Leingang, (605) 773-8196. For information regarding the alternate: Linda Turner, (605) 773-6119.

Dakota STEP, March 31-April 18. The testing window for the State Test of Educational Progress is March 31-April 18. The Dakota STEP is the assessment system for accountability used to measure student proficiency and adequate yearly progress in South Dakota schools. The state Department of Education requires annual administration to all students in grades 3-8 and 11, as required by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. For information: Gay Pickner, (605) 773-3247.