Arizona utilizes a variety of standardized assessments to measure student achievement and inform educational decisions. Here’s a brief overview of the most common assessments used in the state:
AASA (Arizona Academic Standards Assessment)
- Grades: 3-8
- Subjects: English language arts and mathematics
- Purpose: Measures student mastery of Arizona Academic Standards
ACT Aspire
- Grades: 3-11
- Subjects: English language arts, mathematics, science, and reading
- Purpose: Provides diagnostic information to help students identify areas for improvement
ACT
- Grades: 11-12 (optional)
- Subjects: English, mathematics, reading, and science
- Purpose: Used for college admissions and scholarship purposes
Alt ELPA (Alternative English Language Proficiency Assessment)
- Grades: K-12
- Purpose: Assesses English language proficiency for English language learners
AZELLA (Arizona English Language Arts Literacy Assessment)
- Grades: K-12
- Purpose: Measures English language arts and literacy skills
AzSCI (Arizona Science)
- Grades: 5, 8, and 11
- Subject: Science
- Purpose: Assesses student understanding of science concepts and skills
International Assessments
- Grades: Varies
- Subjects: Varies
- Purpose: Compares student performance to international benchmarks
MSAA (Multi-State Alternate Assessment)
- Grades: Varies
- Subjects: English language arts, mathematics, and science
- Purpose: Promotes increased higher academic outcomes for students with significant cognitive disabilities
NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress)
- Grades: Varies
- Subjects: Varies
- Purpose: Assesses student performance on a national level
Note: The specific assessments used in Arizona may vary depending on the grade level, school district, and individual student needs. It’s essential to consult with your local school district or the Arizona Department of Education for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding standardized assessments in the state.
Additional Information
In addition to the above assessments, Arizona may also utilize other standardized tests or assessments for specific purposes, such as:
- End-of-course exams: These exams assess student mastery of specific courses, such as algebra or English.
- Statewide assessments: Arizona may participate in statewide assessments, such as the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, to compare student performance across different states.
- Alternative assessments: For students who cannot participate in traditional standardized tests due to disabilities or other circumstances, Arizona may offer alternative assessments that measure their academic progress in different ways.
It’s important to note that the specific standardized assessments used in Arizona may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check with your local school district or the Arizona Department of Education for the most up-to-date information.
For the most up-to-date information visit the Arizona Department of Education.
