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Assessments

Find an Assessment

Use the options below to learn more about the assessments your child may take or click here for a printable calendar.

 

Use the filters to find assessments by grade or category, or search by assessment name. Click on the Assessnent name to learn more about the each assessment. 
Assessment Name ↕ Target Grade(s) ↕ Category ↕ Purpose
AAPPL Grades 9-12 District Achievement: World Language Standards
Acadience K-6 State Screening and Growth: Literacy and Math
ACT Grade 11 State College and Career Readiness
Advanced Academics Grades K-7 Department Screening: Advanced Academics
AP Grades 9-12 National College and Career Readiness
End of Level Grades 1-2 District Achievement: Language Arts and Math Standards
KEEP K District Achievement and Screening: Literacy and Math Standards
NWEA MAP Growth Grades 4-12 District Screening and Growth: Reading
PEEP Pre-School State Achievement and Screening: Literacy and Math Standards
RISE Grades 3-8 State Achievement: State Standards
STAMP Grades 3-9 State Achievement: World Language Standards
WIDA K-12 National English Language Development
NAEP Grades 4 and 8 National Program Evaluation
Alternative Assessment PK-11 State Achievement: Essential Elements

  • Assessments help us understand student learning and growth. Different assessments answer different questions, so SLCSD uses a variety of assessments throughout a student's education. Assessment results are one piece of information that educators and families can use alongside classroom learning, teacher observations, and other information to support students.

    Purpose What Does It Help Us Understand?
    Screening Does a student need additional support or further assessment?
    Growth How is a student's learning progressing over time?
    Achievement What has a student learned in relation to academic standards?
    English Language Development How is a multilingual learner progressing in English language proficiency?
    College & Career Readiness Is a student developing skills and knowledge needed for future education and career opportunities?
    Program Evaluation Are programs and services helping students achieve their intended outcomes?

     

    No single assessment provides a complete picture of a student's learning. Assessment results are most meaningful when considered together with classroom performance, teacher feedback, student work, and other information about the student.

  • It can sometimes feel like students take a lot of assessments. There is a reason for that: different assessments answer different questions.

    Some assessments help teachers understand what your child knows, where they may need additional support, and what they are ready to learn next. Others are required by state or federal law and help schools and districts monitor student progress and educational programs.

    It is also important to know that not every assessment listed for a grade is taken by every student.

    For example:

    • Opt-in assessments: Some assessments, such as AP or AAPPL, are taken by students who choose to participate.
    • Specific student groups: WIDA assessments are given to students who are identified as English learners.
    • Specific schools or programs: Some assessments, such as NAEP or STAMP, are given only to students in selected schools, grades, or programs.

    SLCSD works to use assessment information purposefully. Our goal is not to give more tests—it is to make sure the information we collect is useful. Assessment results can help teachers support students, help families understand their child’s progress, and help schools and the district improve educational programs.

  • How We Ensure Fair and Accurate Results

    We want every student to have a fair opportunity to show what they know. Salt Lake City School District takes several steps to make sure assessment results are trustworthy:

    • Trained Testing Team: Our district testing team helps administer assessments such as WIDA and Acadience to ensure students have a consistent testing experience.
    • State Testing Ethics: School staff receive training on how to give assessments correctly, protect test information, and maintain a fair testing environment.
    • Support for Students: We provide approved accessibility features and accommodations to help students access assessments and demonstrate what they know.
    • Careful Data Checks: We review assessment data for errors and inconsistencies before results are shared.
    • Consistent Testing: The Assessment team provides schools with clear guidance and support so assessments are administered consistently across the district.

    Our goal is simple: to ensure assessment results give families and educators a clear, accurate picture of student learning.

  • Parent Right to Exclude a Student from State Assessments

    Utah parents have the right to request that their child be excluded from a statewide assessment. To exercise this right, parents must complete the Parental Exclusion from State Assessments Form and submit it to their child’s school each school year. When possible, the form should be submitted at least one day before the assessment begins.

    Before choosing to exclude your child, we encourage families to consider the value of participating in state assessments. State assessment results provide teachers, families, schools, and the district with information about student learning and progress. Results also help schools identify areas where students may need additional support and provide information used to understand how schools and programs are serving students.

    State assessments are only one measure of a student's learning and are designed to be used alongside classroom work, teacher observations, and other information about student progress. Participating gives your child's school another source of information to better understand student learning.

    If you choose to exclude your child:
    USBE Parent Assessment Resources & Parental Exclusion Forms

    The form must be submitted annually to your child's school. A student who is excluded will be provided with an alternative learning experience during the assessment.