State Testing

Ohio’s State Tests measure how students statewide are developing the knowledge and skills described in Ohio’s Learning Standards in a selected number of subject areas. These tests help guide and strengthen future teaching so districts can be sure that they are preparing students for long-term success in school, college, careers, and life. Students in grades 3 through 8 and high school take Ohio’s State Tests in English language arts and mathematics. Periodically in middle and high school, these students also take state tests in science and social studies.

Results from state tests are also utilized in creating Ohio school and district report cards, which show parents and school leaders how well students are performing compared to others around the state. State tests are one way to identify schools and districts that need additional support and recognize those that have done an exemplary job of helping all students learn.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

How Are Tests Developed?

The Ohio Department of Education created assessment development committees to review test questions and to help set scoring parameters. Ohio stakeholders serve on these committees. To allow as many stakeholders as possible an opportunity to serve, the Department will periodically rotate current members off the committee so that new members can join. This page presents information on test development, assessment committees and how to get involved with developing state tests.

When Are Tests Administered?

Districts will select a series of consecutive school days for testing within a specified window. Students will not take tests on every one of these consecutive days; schools will communicate the specific days when students in each grade and/or subject will test. 

FALL
Grade 3 - ELA Testing; typically occurs in October.

WINTER
High school end-of-course exams; typically occur in late November-December.
ACT - high school juniors only; typically at the end of February.

SPRING
ELA - all students; typically in April.
Math, Science, Social Studies - select grade levels; typically in April-May.

Alternate Assessment for Students with the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities (AASCD)

Ohio’s Alternate Assessment for Students with the Most Significant Cognitive Disabilities (AASCD) is aligned to Ohio’s Learning Standards – Extended (OLS-E) and designed to allow students with significant cognitive disabilities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in an appropriately rigorous assessment. The AASCD will be administered by grade level. Students in grades 3, 4, 6 and 7 will be assessed in English language arts and mathematics. Students in grades 5 and 8 will be assessed in English language arts, mathematics and science. Students taking the HS-AASCD will be assessed in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.

Gifted Screening and Identification

Ohio defines a student who is gifted as one who “performs or shows potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment” (Ohio Revised Code 3324.01). 

Public school districts (city, local, and exempted village) are required to identify students in grades K-12 for gifted identification in the following areas:
  • Superior cognitive ability;
  • Specific academic ability: mathematics, reading/writing, science, and social studies;
  • Creative thinking ability; and
  • Visual or performing arts ability: dance, drama, music, and visual arts.

Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA)

The Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) is the state summative test that assesses an English learner’s progress to English proficiency and readiness to exit from the English language development program. The district administers the OELPA annually to students identified as English learners in grades kindergarten through high school. The OELPA is aligned to Ohio’s English Language Proficiency Standards and meets the state and federal requirements for an annual assessment of English proficiency measuring listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Testing Tips

Students may take several standardized tests throughout the school year. Parents/guardians, here are some tips to help your child prepare for testing day.
  • Be sure your child gets enough sleep the night before
  • Be sure your child eats a healthy breakfast before school
  • Be sure your child is prepared with pencils, erasers, paper, and/or a calculator (if needed)
  • Practice relaxation techniques with your child if they experience anxiety during test taking

CONTACT INFORMATION

Antoinette D'Urso, Director
P: 330-989-5095
F: 330-989-5096

Diana Mostoller, Admin. Asst.
P: 330-989-5095 ext. 4020

Address:
Niles Board of Education
309 N. Rhodes Ave.
Niles, OH 44446




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