District Assessments
West Central School District Assessment Guide
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that all school districts provide transparency in regards to how its learners are assessed. In compliance with ESSA, as well as State and Federal Department of Education mandates, the West Central School District has made public the following list of assessments, their purpose, and approximate time frame. The results of any and all assessments administered by the West Central School District and its staff can be made available to parents/guardians upon request and, when applicable, will be sent home in the form of a score report in a timely manner. Please note that not every learner takes every assessment listed below. Any questions regarding assessments can be directed to Carrie Schaefers, K-12 Curriculum and District Assessment Coordinator, at 605-528-3217.
Assessment | Subject Matter Assessed | Assessment Schedule | Grades Assessed | Purpose | Source of Requirement | Approximate Time to Take | Reporting Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
English Language Proficiency in Math, ELA, & Science | January 28 - February 28, 2025 | K-12 | Given annually to assess and monitor students' progress in acquiring academic English in the content areas of Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening | SD DOE | Testing times can vary | Shared with Parents when they become participants | |
Math, English, Reading, Science, Writing | Varies - Visit www.act.org for test dates | Grades 11 & 12 | The ACT test measures what students learn in high school to determine academic readiness for college and is used for college admission. It is offered on the same dates across the United States | Optional | Estimated testing time is 3-4 hours | Scores are provided online by ACT Inc once available | |
Military Aptitude/Entrance Requirement | December 4, 2024 | Grades 11 | Determines qualifications for enlistment in the U.S. Armed Forces (Seniors can retake to improve their score) | Optional | Testing times can vary | Shared with Parents and discussed with students once results have been received | |
Math, Reading | Every two years if selected - Off Year | Grades 4 & 8 | Anonymous assessment of progress by the US Department of Education that measures student achievement and reports change in student performance over time | SD DOE & Federal DOE | N/A | ||
Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, Reading for Information | January 15, 2025 | 12 | The NCRC is an industry-recognized, portable, evidence-based credential certifying essential skills necessary for workplace success | District | Estimated testing time is 3 hours | Given to students once results are received | |
Math, Reading, Language | August 26 - September 6, 2024 December 9 - 20, 2024 May 5 - 16, 2025 | K-11 | A district assessment that monitors student proficiency and growth for data-driven instructional practices | District | Testing times can vary between testing participants | Shared with Parents when they become available | |
Math, ELA | March 24 - May 2, 2025 | 3-8, 11 | State required summative assessment measuring English Language Arts and Math proficiency | SD DOE | Testing times can vary between testing participants | Shared with Parents when they become available | |
Math, ELA | March 10 - April 25, 2025 | 3-8, 11 | State required summative assessment measuring English Language Arts and Math proficiency for students who have met the significant cognitive disability criteria | SD DOE | Testing times can vary between testing participants | Shared with Parents when they become available | |
Science | March 24 - May 2, 2025 | 5, 8, 11 | State required summative assessment measuring Science achievement | SD DOE | Testing times can vary between testing participants | Shared with Parents when they become available | |
Science | March 24 - May 2, 2025 | 5, 8, 11 | State required summative assessment measuring Science achievement for students who have met the significant cognitive disability criteria | SD DOE | Testing times can vary between testing participants | Shared with Parents when they become available | |
Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | Upon entry to the West Central School District | K-12 | Used to measure the English language proficiency of learners who have indicated a primary language other than English on a home language survey, and determining whether or not English language instructional services are needed | SD DOE | Testing times can vary between testing participants | Shared with Parents when they become available |