Ohio’s State Tests
Information
for Students and Families
Ohio’s State Tests measure student progress toward Ohio’s
Learning Standards. They help us make sure every Ohio student receives a
high-quality education. Student test results show that students have the
knowledge and skills they need to move successfully to their next steps in
education or a career.
Federal and state laws require state testing for specific
grades and subjects.
Will there be
state tests in 2015-2016?
Yes.
What testing changes
must Ohio make for the 2015-2016 school year?
As part of the current budget law, the Ohio Department of
Education will develop new tests in mathematics and English language arts with
the assistance of Ohio educators. To build these new tests, the department will
use its existing contract with the American Institutes for Research (AIR), a
well-known test vendor. AIR currently provides Ohio’s science and social
studies tests. The new tests will be:
·
Shorter than those given last school year;
·
Given during one testing window; and
·
Given during the second half of the school year,
close to the end of the school year. High schools also may give
end-of-course tests at the end of the first semester, and elementary schools
will give the grade 3 English language arts test Nov. 30-Dec. 11.
The role of Ohio educators will be to help review the
questions and test construction.
How long will
the test be?
Each test will be approximately
three hours and will be divided into two parts. Districts will choose whether
their students will take a test in two sessions or in one session.
Why do we
have state tests?
State tests are critical for measuring student learning and
ensuring that all of Ohio’s students receive a high-quality education. The
results from state tests provide the public with much-needed information about
how all students are performing. Student test scores are the foundation of Ohio
school and district report cards, which are designed to show parents, taxpayers
and school leaders how well our students are performing. State tests are one
way we identify schools and districts that need additional support and
recognize those that have done a great job helping all students learn.
Which grades and subjects take state tests?
Which grades and subjects take state tests?
Grades 3-8 English language arts and mathematics
Grades 4 and 6 Social studies
Grades 5 and 8 Science
High School
Classes of 2018 and beyond – English language arts I and II;
algebra I, geometry, and integrated mathematics I and II; biology (or physical
science for class of 2018 only); and American history, American government.
Classes of 2015-2017 – Ohio Graduation Tests, American
history, American government
Tests for fall 2015 block classes will be in 15 consecutive
school days for online tests within Nov. 30 to Jan. 8 and 10 consecutive school
days for paper format within Dec. 8 to Jan. 8.
What is the
format of the tests?
Districts have the option in the 2015-2016 school year to
give students the tests on computers or in a paper format. Schools may elect to
administer some grades/tests online and other grades/tests on paper.
When are the
spring tests?
Tests will occur in a period of 15 consecutive school days
for online tests and 10 consecutive school days for paper tests.
English language arts for all students will be within April 4
to 29.
Mathematics, science and social studies will be within April
4 to May 13.
How can I
stay in the know about the new state tests?
Please visit the 2015-2016 State Tests Updates website at education.ohio.gov/Topics/Testing/2015_2016-State-Tests-Updates
and register to receive updates when they are posted.