The state tests explained for Oregon parents
Each spring, Oregon students take the Oregon Statewide Assessment System (OSAS) tests: English language arts and math in grades 3 to 8, and science in grades 5 and 8. High school students take them again in 11th 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: grades 3 to 8, and 11th grade. Science: grades 5, 8 and 11. Social sciences have no required state test.
- What they cover
- The English language arts and math tests check reading, writing, listening, research and math against Oregon's state standards, and ask students to explain their answers, not just pick one. The science test checks the Oregon Science Standards.
- When
- Students test on a computer in the spring. Each school sets its own dates within a window ODE announces each year. There is no time limit, so children can take as long as they need.
- How results are described
- Scores are reported in four achievement levels. Level 3 means the student met the standard for the grade, and Level 4 means they exceeded it. Levels 1 and 2 mean they are still working toward it. Schools share scores at the end of the school year or the start of the next.
- Opting out
- Oregon law (ORS 329.479) lets parents opt their child out of the English language arts and/or math tests each year, using ODE's form, handed in to the school. Schools send the form at least 30 days before testing, and students who opt out get supervised study time instead.
- 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 Oregon Department of Education (ODE) 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.
- Encourage short daily writing: a journal entry, a note or a list with reasons.
- Practice math with real problems (shopping, cooking, travel times) as well as math facts.
- Tell your child the tests show what they know. They are not something to fail.
Practice the grade-level skills with Gradelings: 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade and 8th grade.
Common questions
The Oregon Statewide Assessment System is the set of state tests: English language arts and math in grades 3 to 8 and 11, and science in grades 5, 8 and 11. The English language arts and math tests are built with educators from Oregon and other states, and include tasks that ask students to explain their thinking.
Yes, for English language arts and math. Under ORS 329.479, a parent can fill in ODE's opt-out form each school year and give it to the school. It only lasts for that year. Talk with your school if you have questions about the science test.
No. They are separate. Your child's report card describes learning in class through the year, using the scale your district chooses.
Level 3 means the student met the standard for the grade, and Level 4 means they exceeded it. Levels 1 and 2 mean they are still building those skills. Talk with your child's teacher about what the score means for your child.
Gradelings practices the math, English language arts and science skills in Oregon's state 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: Oregon report cards explained and Transformative SEL.
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