Dakota State Testing of Educational Progress (DSTEP)

 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