Assessment

The NTPS Assessment Department works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and staff monitoring the effectiveness of our schools and programs by collecting, compiling, and reporting on assessment information and data.

What kinds of assessment data do we collect?

Classroom assignments and exams;
District-wide assessments; and
State assessments.

Contact Us

assessment@nthurston.k12.wa.us

360-412-4461

News & Announcements

What do the state test scores mean? (opens in new window/tab)

Check out this online tool from ReadyWA to help interpret your student's Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) scores in English language arts (ELA) and math.

Early Literacy Screening (RAN/RAS)

Information on the screening for kindergarten through 2nd grade students for indicators of dyslexia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why assessments?

Statewide, assessments are given annually to all public school students to ensure that no matter where they go to school, they receive a quality education.

Assessments measure how every student has achieved in relation to the state standards for their particular grade level.
In Washington state, certain assessments are required for graduation.
Schools use test scores to evaluate their own performance over time and to determine which students may need additional support in order to achieve grade level standards.
Test scores of students in a school are used to determine the success of the school. Schools are held accountable by the state for the scores of their students. Schools are, in effect, “graded” on how well their students do on the tests.

How can I get my student's SBA score report?

The Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) score reports are available in Skyward Family Access for pre-2023 assessments. See instructions on how to obtain score reports.

Need help interpreting the scores?

OSPI scoring range information
OSPI Starting Smarter — Understanding the Score Report and Areas.
OSPI state testing family resources
Great Schools — Washington State Test Guide for Parents (K-8)

What if I don't want my student to take a test?

Does my student need to pass the SBA to move up a grade level?

How do I prepare my child for the SBA?

What is the schedule for the SBA?

What is the difference between Common Core and the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA)?

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were adopted by Washington State in July 2011. These standards provide a clear and consistent understanding of what students are expected to learn in English language arts and mathematics as they progress through grades K-12. Starting in 2014-15, the SBA are the state tests aligned to the Common Core. These assessments are used to measure how well students are mastering the standards and how ready they are for career and college education and training after graduation.

How is the SBA different from previous assessments?

SBA is a high-quality system that helps evaluate how a student is doing year-round. The information from the SBA gives teachers specific information about how a student is doing in a particular area and allow for more targeted instruction. Significant improvements include:

Writing at every grade
New questions types
Performance tasks that ask students to demonstrate an array of research, writing and problem-solving skills
Computer adaptive technology for more accurate information about student achievement (on-line testing)
Quicker results about student progress
More accommodations and supports (American Sign Language, closed captioning, Text to Speech, etc.)

Assessment Information & Resources

2024-25 Testing Schedule

The following are test windows set by the district or state. If you would like actual testing dates, please contact your student's school.

Test	Testing Windows	Grades Tested
easyCBM or Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) for highly-capable students, in place of easy CBM tests: reading, math required by district	September 4–October 3 Jan 6–31 May 1–30	K–5 6–8
easyCBM Progress Monitoring for students with interventions only tests: reading, math required by district	ongoing	K–5 6–8
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) required by state	TBD	4 8 12
Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) tests: English language arts (ELA), math required by state for accountability	March 3–June 27	3–5 6–8 10 11–12*
Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WAKids) Tests: kindergarten readiness required by state	by November 15	K
Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT) universal screener for highly-capable program tests: nonverbal general ability required by district	November 1–30	1
In-Program Curricular Assessments tests: ELA, math required by district	periodically	K–5
RAN/RAS (Dyslexia screening) tests: reading required by state	January 6–March 31	K–1
Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) tests: science required by state for accountability	April 7–June 6	5 8 11
Washington Access to Instruction & Measurement (WA-AIM) alternate to SBA and WCAS for students with significant cognitive disabilities; eligibility determined by IEP teams tests: ELA, math, science required by state for accountability	January 27–April 25	3–5 (ELA, Math) 5 (Science) 6–8 (ELA, math) 8 (Science) 10 (ELA, math) 11 (Science)
WIDA Access for English learners WIDA Alternate Access for English learners with significant cognitive disabilities; eligibility determined by IEP teams; on paper/pencil tests: writing, reading, listening, speaking required by state for accountability	January 27–March 21	K–5 6–8 9–12
OSPI-Developed Assessments formerly Curriculum-Based Assessments tests: social studies/civics required by state	Once per year	4 or 5 (civics) 5 (PE & health) 8 11 or 12 (social studies)
OSPI-Developed Performance Assessments formerly Curriculum-Based Assessments tests: art, choir, band, orchestra, general music, theater, physical education (PE), health required by state	Once per year or Once per semester based on length of course	K (Art & general music) 8 9–12 (Health, beginning arts, and PE)

*Available to students who have not yet passed the English language arts and/or math assessment and want to use it as a pathway to demonstrate post-secondary career or college readiness, or who previously tested and would like to attempt a higher score.

Learning Standards & Instructional Materials

Basic education in Washington state is defined by the Legislature (RCW 28A.150.210). As required by state law, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) develops the state's learning standards (RCW 28A.655.070) and oversees the assessment of the learning standards for state and federal accountability purposes. Learning standards define what all students need to know and be able to do at each grade level.

See more information on OSPI's website

English Language Proficiency Assessments (WIDA)

Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA)

Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAs) were created by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium and are aligned to the Common Core State Standards in math and English language arts (ELA).

The SBAs are administered annually in the spring for all students in grades 3-8 and 10. Additional students in grades 11-12 may also participate in fall/spring if needed for graduation. Grades K-2, and 9 do not participate. Score reports are available in Skyward Family Access.

See more information about the SBA on OSPI's website

SBA Student Growth Percentiles (SGP)

A student growth percentile (SGP) describes a student's growth compared to other students with similar prior test scores (their academic peers). Although the calculations for SGPs are complex, percentiles are a familiar method of measuring students in comparison to their peers.

SGPs at a Glance
From OSPI's website, a short overview of SGPs.

Understanding an SGP Report
From OSPI's website, a guide for caregivers and teachers.

All students that have at least two years of consecutive state testing (SBA) scores are included.

Learn more about the Student Growth Percentiles on the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website.

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