The Dakota State Test of Educational Progress (Dakota STEP) is South Dakota’s annual statewide assessment of student progress, administered to students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 each spring. Public school districts are required to administer the Dakota STEP. The Dakota STEP is the assessment system for accountability used in South Dakota as required by the No Child Left Behind Act and South Dakota state law.
|
Characteristic |
(DSTEP) Dakota State Testing and Educational Progress |
|
Primary Purpose |
School accountability - Improve instruction |
|
Subject Areas Tested |
Reading, Math, and Science (beginning 2007) |
|
Types of Test |
Criterion-referenced (standards based) |
|
Grade Levels |
3-8 and 11 (science grade 5, 8, & 11) |
|
Item Types or Formats |
Multiple choice |
|
Administration Dates |
Beginning of April |
|
Dates When Results Released |
June |
|
Frequency of Administration |
Annually each spring |
|
Administration Time |
Untimed |
|
Test Length |
Varies by grade |
|
Assessment Design |
Common fixed-length form |
|
Types of Scores Reported |
Scaled scores, percentiles, performance levels |
|
Achievement Levels Reported |
Below basic, basic, proficient, advanced |
|
Levels of Reports |
Student, school, district, state |
|
Students Tested |
All public students, grades 3-8 and 11 (includes alternate assessment) |
|
Testing of Students with Disabilities |
Yes |
|
Accomodations for Students with Disabilities |
Yes |
|
Testing of Students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) |
Yes |
|
Accomodations for LEP |
Yes |
|
Policies and Laws |
South Dakota Codified Law 13.3.55 |
|
History of Program |
Began in 1985, major revision in 2003 and 2007 |
|
Parental Permission |
Not required |
You can find more information about the DSTEP at: http://doe.sd.gov/oats/dakSTEP.asp
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