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 | 2026-27 Test Window |
|---|---|---|
| SD ELA and Math Assessments
Subject: English Language Arts, Math |
3-8 | March 29 - May 7, 2027 |
| SD ELA and Math Alternate Assessments
Subject: English Language Arts, Math |
3-8, 11 Students with most significant cognitive disabilities |
March 8 - April 23, 2027 |
| SD-ACT
Subject: English, Reading, Math, Science, Writing |
11 | Window 1: March 9-12, March 15-19, 2027 Window 2: March 23-26, March 29-31, April 1-2, 2027 Window 3: April 6-9, April 12-16, 2027 |
| SD Science Assessment
Subject: Science |
5, 8 | March 29 - May 7, 2027 |
| SD Science Alternate Assessment
Subject: Science |
5, 8, 11 Students with most severe cognitive disabilities |
March 29 - May 7, 2027 |
| National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
Subject: Reading, Math, (every other year) |
4 and 8 Only a sample of schools are chosen |
Spring 2028 |
| SD English Language Proficiency Assessment (ACCESS 2.0)
Subject: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening |
K-12 For students identified as English Learners |
Jan. 25 - Feb. 26, 2027 |
| 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. 10, 2026- May 21, 2027 |
| Interim Comprehensive Assessment (ICA)
Subject: English Language Arts, Math |
3-8 | Test Event 1: Aug. 10 - Nov. 28, 2026 Test Event 2: Nov. 30, 2026 - Mar. 5, 2027 |
Special Education- accommodations and supports
- Accommodation Memo
- Districtwide Assessment Policy Guidance
- ELA Reading Passages
- Special Accommodation Consideration
- Speech-to-Text/Word Completion Form
- Print on Demand
Parent Communication and Resources
- Grade 3-8 Sample Parent Letter
- Grade 11 Sample Parent Letter
- Individual Student Report example
- Printing Individual Student Reports
- Science Report Parent Letter
- Reporting Memo
- Grade 3-8 Parent/Guardian Reporting Letter
- SD-ACT Parent/Guardian Reporting Letter
- Review your child's test
- SDSAA Parent Report Letter
- State Assessment Changes Over the Years