Office Of Assessment
The goal of the SD 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 Assessment Gateway- SD ELA and Math, Science, and Science-Alt Assessments
- Please update your bookmark as the web address has changed
20-21 New Assessment Coordinator Resources
- Webinar 1 – Required Assessments and Expectations Video | ppt
- Webinar 2 – Navigating the Online Assessment System & Handling Accommodations Video | ppt
- Webinar 3 – Using Assessments to Enhance Instruction Video | ppt
- Webinar 4 – FAQs, Field Advice, and Q&A Video | ppt
| Name of Required Assessment | Tested Grade Level | 2020-21 Test Window (all dates are 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 | January 25-March 19, 2021 |
| WIDA EL Assessments (ACCESS)
Subject: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening |
K-12 | Jan. 25 -Feb. 26, 2021 |
| Home School Students
Subject: Reading and Math |
4, 8, and 11 | March 22-April 16, 2021 (state provided assessment) |
- Accommodation Memo
- Districtwide Assessment Policy Guidance
- Reading Passages (Gr 3-5)
- Reading Passages (Gr 6-11)
- Test Irregularities
- Test Security Log
- Special Accommodation Consideration
- Print on Demand
- Workshop Presentations and Webinars
- Required Assessments
- Optional Assessments
- Review your child’s test
- ELA and Math Opportunities
- Science Opportunities
Contact the Assessment Staff with any questions.