State Assessments

Annual Notice for Oregon’s Statewide Summative Assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics

FOSTERING EQUITY AND EXCELLENCE FOR EVERY LEARNER 

Oregon is committed to preparing every learner with academic knowledge and skills necessary for success beyond high  school. Oregon’s statewide assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics are fully aligned to Oregon’s  State Standards and provide students in grades 3-8 and 11, along with their families, one measure of academic  achievement and growth. 

OREGON’S STATEWIDE ASSESSMENTS…  

o …are created by educators in Oregon and across several other states 

o …challenge your child to think critically and apply their knowledge across a variety of contexts o …go beyond multiple choice and ask your child to explain their answers 

o …act as a snapshot of your child’s progress that may be considered along with other pieces of information to determine your child’s academic success 

o …help schools and districts evaluate their systems of teaching and learning, as well as identify groups of students whose academic needs may not be adequately met 

o …help communities understand how well their public schools are performing 

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS 

Oregon law (ORS 329.479) permits parents and adult students to annually opt-out of Oregon’s statewide assessments in  English Language Arts (ELA) and/or Mathematics by submitting an annual form to the school the student attends.  Schools will provide parents with the appropriate form at least 30 days prior to the start of testing. 

Why does my child’s participation matter? 

While no single assessment can give a complete picture of your child’s progress, statewide assessments provide Oregon  educators and administrators with one source of information about what educational approaches are working and  where additional resources may be needed. Your child’s participation is important to ensure schools and districts  identify the areas in which they are meeting students’ overall needs, as well as to identify areas of growth. 

When will my child take the test? 

Your child’s school will determine the specific dates your child will take the assessments within the statewide testing  window. 

STATEWIDE TESTING WINDOW 

The statewide testing windows for English Language Arts and Mathematics apply to both the general and alternate  statewide summative assessments. 

STAY INFORMED 

Visit Oregon’s Starting Smarter web page (https://or.startingsmarter.org) to learn more about what your child should  know and be able to do in English Language Arts and Math, to view sample assessment questions, and to read more  about your child’s test results. Contact your child’s teacher or school principal with questions