The state tests explained for Arizona parents
Arizona students take state tests in the spring: the Arizona Academic Standards Assessment (AASA) in English language arts and math in grades 3 to 8, the Arizona Science Test (AzSCI) in grades 5, 8 and 11, and ACT Aspire in 9th grade. The tests are separate from the report card and from class grades.
The state tests at a glance
- Who takes them
- English language arts and math (AASA): grades 3 to 8. Science (AzSCI): grades 5, 8 and 11. ACT Aspire: 9th grade, and the ACT with Writing in 11th grade. Students with significant cognitive disabilities may take an alternate assessment instead.
- When
- The tests are given in spring windows that the Arizona Department of Education sets each year. Each school picks its own dates within the window.
- What they cover
- AASA checks Arizona's English language arts and mathematics standards, including writing, and AzSCI checks the Arizona Science Standards. Some standards are marked essential and get more questions.
- How results are described
- Scores are reported as proficiency levels compared with state expectations. Families get a score report from the school. Results also count toward each school's A to F letter grade.
- Report card link
- State test scores don't change your child's report card. They are one more snapshot for families, teachers and schools.
Dates and details change from year to year. Your school and the Arizona Department of Education have the current information.
How to help your child feel ready
- Keep routines simple: regular sleep, a good breakfast and a calm morning.
- Read together often, then ask your child to retell what happened and explain why.
- Practice math with real problems (shopping, cooking, travel times) as well as math facts.
- Ask “How do you know?” so your child gets used to explaining answers.
- Tell your child the tests show what they know and how they are growing. They are not something to fail.
Practice the grade-level skills with Gradelings: 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade and 9th grade.
Common questions
AASA (the Arizona Academic Standards Assessment) is Arizona's state test in English language arts and math for grades 3 to 8. It is given in the spring and includes a writing part.
AzSCI, the Arizona Science Test, is given in grades 5, 8 and 11.
Arizona 9th graders take ACT Aspire, a test of English, reading, math, science and writing that helps schools see readiness for high school courses and the ACT in 11th grade.
No. They are separate. Your child's report card describes learning in class through the year, using the marks your school chooses.
Ask your school. Federal law expects nearly all students to take the state tests, and schools can explain their own policy and what happens if a family asks for their child not to test.
Gradelings practices the math, English language arts and science skills in Arizona's academic standards with kind feedback and no timers unless you want them. It isn't a copy of the state tests and doesn't predict a score.
Also see: Arizona report cards explained and Mathematical Practices.
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