Testing Department
State Tests
| ADAW | SAT-10 | ARMT | AHSGE | ACCESS | AAA | NAEP |
Testing Schedule
Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing
(ADAW)
The primary purpose of this assessment, commonly called "Writing Assessment," is to assess a student's writing performance. Students are required to write in response to prompts. They are expected to demonstrate their ability to write narrative, expository, and descriptive passages. They are given 60 minutes to complete the test. The student's work is scored using a range from Level 1 (does not meet standard) through Level IV (exceeds standard). The test is given each February to students in grades 5, 7, and 10.
Stanford Achievement Test-10
(SAT-10)
Not to be confused with the Stanford college entrance test, the Stanford 10 (SAT10) is given to students in grades 3 through 8. It is a norm referenced test that looks at how well students have mastered concepts and skills taught in the classrooms throughout the nation. The test's primary purpose is to compare individual and group performance to performance of the norming group. This allows one to compare the relative strengths and weaknesses in each area. The areas looked at are Reading, Math, Language, Science, and Social Studies. The reading and math tests are broken down into content clusters that measure mastery of Reading Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics Procedures, and Mathematics Problem Solving. These tests are closely aligned to state standards, major textbooks, national standards, and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). The tests take 3-5 days to complete and are normally given each April. The State of Alabama requires the following schedule of tests for students:
- 3rd Grade - Reading, Language, Math
- 4th Grade - Reading, Math, Language
- 5th Grade - Reading, Language, Math, Science
- 6th Grade - Reading, Math, Language, Social Studies
- 7th Grade - Reading, Language, Math, Science
- 8th Grade - Reading, Math, Language
Alabama Reading and Math Test
(ARMT)
The Alabama Reading & Math Test (ARMT) measures student mastery (proficiency) of the content standards in the Alabama Course of Study in Reading and Mathematics. The ARMT scores are derived from selected items contained on the Stanford 10, as well as additional reading and mathematics items. The ARMT closely resembles the Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). This test is given in the Spring and usually takes about two days to administer. The State web page contains the Item Specifications for the ARMT. The ARMT scores is used for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) which is an accountability measure for all schools. The percent of students who score at a proficient level or above on the ARMT must be equal to or exceed the state established annual measurable objectives.
Alabama High School Graduation Exam
(AHSGE)
The primary purpose of the Alabama High School Graduation Exam (AHSGE) is to assess a student's mastery of content in the core courses. Passing the AHSGE is required in order for a student to receive a high school diploma. The test looks at achievement in Reading, Language, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Students are given several opportunities to take each subtest. The assessment is given 4 times each year to students in grades 9-12. Once a student passes a subtest they do not have to take it again. Those who do not pass on the first attempt take the subtest again at the next administration until they pass each section.
Assessing Competency and Communication in English state to state for English Language Learners
(ACCESS)
ACCESS for ELLs (English Language Learners) measures the level of English Language proficiency for LEP (Limited English Proficiency) /ELL students. Under Title III, schools and systems are required to ensure that LEP/ELL students acquire English language proficiency. ACCESS reports proficiency in five levels.
Alabama Alternate Assessment
(AAA)
The AAA is an IEP (Individual Education Plan) based assessment that is used for severely cognitively impaired students who are unable to take other required state assessment. It is an online assessment that is completed for each individual student by the IEP Team during the Spring. Five content areas of reading, language, mathematics, science and social studies will be addressed on each student's IEP and must be assessed with the AAA.
National Assessment of Educational Progress
(NAEP)
The National Assessment of Educational Progress is often referred to as the Nation's Report Card. Schools and students are randomly selected to be assessed as representatives of the state. For schools receiving Title I funds, if selected, participation in NAEP is required. Individual students scores are not available and scores are not reported by school or system.