Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions for Families

What are the Ohio Achievement Tests and why does my child take them?

The Ohio Reading and Mathematics Achievement Tests are annual assessments that measure how well students have learned the reading and math concepts taught in grades 3 - 8. The achievement tests are designed specifically for Ohio students and are based on Ohios academic content standards. They do not test a childs intelligence or aptitude and are not meant to compare childrens abilities.

The federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001(NCLB) requires all states to establish academic standards that tell what students should know and be able to do in reading and math at the end of each grade. NCLB also requires states to test all students in grades 3 8 annually in reading and math to assess how well students are meeting the academic content standards. The results of the tests are used to identify districts, schools and students that may require additional resources to meet state academic standards.

How do the Ohio Achievement Tests benefit my child?

The achievement tests ensure that families and teachers know whether each student has learned the reading and math skills and information expected at each grade. The achievement tests can also help identify specific areas in which a student needs extra support and practice. Teachers and families can then work together to ensure that a student gets the help that he or she needs.

The achievement tests also help identify when students have gained a strong understanding of grade-level materials and may be ready to be challenged by more advanced concepts and activities.

What happens if my child is not proficient on the achievement tests?

These test results are one of the factors, but not the sole factor, that teachers use to evaluate a childs readiness to move to the next grade. Teachers also look at the childs attendance, classroom participation and class work to determine whether the child is ready to be promoted.

If your child does not score at or above the proficient level on any of the tests, this is a sign that he or she is having difficulty learning the skills and knowledge expected of the grade level and may need additional help. You may wish to talk to your childs teacher(s) about the test results and the resources that can help ensure his or her success.

My child has two scores for the grade 3 reading test, why is that?

Because strong reading skills are such an important component of success in school after grade 3, special emphasis has been placed on the results of the Grade 3 Reading Achievement Test. Unlike the other tests, the Grade 3 Reading Achievement Test is given up to three times a year. Students first take the test in the fall of grade 3 and may take the test again in the spring. Students are credited with the higher of their two scores. If a student does not score at or above the proficient level on the fall or spring tests, he or she may take the test again in the summer.