WHY DO WE HAVE STATE TESTS?
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. That’s why federal and state laws require state testing for specific grades and subjects.

We use the results from state tests in creating Ohio school and district report cards, which show parents 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 of helping all students learn.

 

ARE THESE OHIO TESTS?
Yes. State law requires the Ohio Department of Education to develop state tests in mathematics, English language arts, science and social studies with the help of Ohio educators. To build these new tests, the department works with the American Institutes for Research (AIR), one of the country’s largest student assessment providers. The role of Ohio educators is to help review the questions and the way the test is constructed.

HOW LONG IS A STATE TEST?
Each test has two parts. Districts can choose whether their students take both parts in one sitting or take part 1 on one day and part 2 on another day. Each test allows test-takers a maximum amount of time, which varies from 2.5 to 3.5 hours.

WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE TESTS?
Starting in the 2016-2017 school year, Ohio will, with limited exception, move to online testing for all students, schools and districts. All students will take state tests online unless schools and districts meet one of three allowable exceptions. Districts can request paper test forms if they have: students with disabilities who are unable to use computers due to their disabilities, as documented on their individualized education plans or Section 504 plans; students who are unable to access online tests due to religious beliefs; or inadequate technology capacity to assess all of their students online during the allowable test window.

IN WHICH GRADES AND SUBJECTS DO STUDENTS 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 – End-of-course tests in English language arts I and II; algebra I, geometry, and integrated mathematics I and II; Biology and American History and American Government.  For additional information, please visit the graduation requirements section at education.ohio.gov.

WHEN ARE THE TESTS?
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.

 

For grade 3 English Language Arts – Districts will select five consecutive days within the November window. 

 

High school end-of-course tests – Districts will select 10 consecutive school days during the early December to mid-January window.  This testing window is only for high school students needing re-testing based on previous Spring testing results.

Spring Test Days
Districts will select 15 consecutive school days during the windows specified by the State each year.  The 15-day test schedules for the two groups of tests may overlap. 
• English Language Arts for all students:  typically mid-March to mid-April
• Mathematics, Science and Social Studies:  typically early April to early May.

HOW CAN I STAY IN THE KNOW ABOUT THE NEW STATE TESTS?
Please visit the State Tests Updates website. You also can register here to receive updates when they are posted.