Assessment & Accountability
The Assessment and Accountability Department is primarily responsible for:
- Monitoring and reporting on the performance of schools and District support functions, including analyses and reports of annual AzMerit State Assessments, Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS), and Letter Grade results;
- Reporting student achievement and demographic data to multiple offices;
- Developing and maintaining the District’s assessments and benchmarks;
- Ensuring proper administration of state and federally-mandated assessments;
- Collaborating with Teaching and Learning Departments and schools to ensure continuity and validity of data.
Contact Info
State & District Testing Information
2024-2025 State and District Testing Calendar
2024-2025 State Assessments Detailed Calendar
SUSPENDED/CANCELED NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) Testing
The State Assessment calendar displays the ADE testing windows; families should check with their campus for specific test dates and details.
DISTRICT
| ACT Aspire | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| English, Math, Science, Reading | Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Late Start | Cohort 2028 (Grade 9) |
| ACT | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| English, Math, Science, Reading | Tuesday, April 1, 2025 Late Start | Cohort 2026 (Grade 11) |
| Arizona's Academic Standards Assessment (AASA) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| Writing, Reading, Math | March 31 - April 25, 2025 (Writing ends April 11) | Grades 3 - 8 |
| ELA Oral Reading Fluency | March 31 - April 11, 2025 | Grade 3 |
| AzSCI | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| Science |
March 17 - April 11, 2025 |
Grades 5, 8, and |
| Computer-based Administration Window | Cohort 2026 (grade 11) | |
| CIVICS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| CIVICS *Graduation Requirement | July 29 - May 16, 2025 | 8th- 12th ongoing until passed |
| SUSPENDED/CANCELED NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Content Area(s) |
Test Window |
Grade Levels & Campus(es) |
|
NAEP Math, Reading & Science |
Suspended |
Suspended |
| AZELLA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Test Type | Test Window | Grade Levels |
| 2024-2025 School Year Placement Testing | July 9, 2024 - May 9, 2025 | ALL |
| 2025 Spring Reassessment Testing | January 27-March 14, 2025 | ALL |
| 2025 Spring Native English Speaker Field Testing | January 27-March 14, 2025 | Various |
| Alt. ELPA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Test Type | Test Window | Grade Levels |
| ALT ELPA Screener | August 1 - May 9, 2025 | Grades K- 12 |
| ALT ELPA Summative | January 27 - March 14, 2025 | Grades K- 12 |
| MSAA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Test Type | Test Window | Grade Levels |
| MSAA ELA & Mathematics | March 10 - April 25, 2025 | Grades 3 - 8 and 11 |
| MSAA Science | March 10 - April 25, 2025 | Grades 5,8 and 11 |
ELEMENTARY
| Comprehensive District Benchmarks via DnA/Illuminate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| Fall ELA, Math AASA Mimic BOY and Science*(Gr 5 optional) District Benchmark | July 29 - September 6, 2024 | Grades 3 - 6 |
| Winter ELA , Math AASA Mimic MOY District Benchmark | November 18- December 18, 2024 | Grades 3 - 6 |
| AZSCI MIMIC- Full Practice Test | October 21 - March 7, 2025 | Grade 5 Practice |
| Spring ELA, Math AASA Mimic EOY District Benchmark | April 21 - May 16, 2025 |
Grades 3 -6 |
*Optional for the 24-25 SY
| Universal Screening Assessments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| Fall Reading Universal Screening | August 5 - September 10, 2024 | K-6 Mandatory ELA Screeners |
| ***Winter Reading Universal Screening*** | November 18- December 18, 2024 | |
| Spring Reading Universal Screening | April 21 - May 16, 2025 | |
| Fall Math Universal Screening | August 5 - September 10, 2024 | K-6 Mandatory Math Screeners iReady Diagnostics |
| Winter Math Universal Screening | November 18- December 18, 2024 | |
| Spring Math Universal Screening | April 21 - May 16, 2025 | |
Upcoming Literacy PD/MOWR Session for Reading Specialists August 28, 2024 8:00 am - 12:00 pm, Location: Boardroom
Campus MOWR Literacy Plans DUE on September 13, 2024
| CogAT Gifted Blanket Screening | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| May Pre Screener | April 28 - May 9, 2025 | Grade 2 (Neely Grade 1) |
| Post Screener (Qualifying Score) | May 12 - May 20, 2025 | |
|
Parent requested CogAT Full Battery Administration |
August 12 - September 10, 2024 |
K-6 |
| February 10 - February 21, 2025 | ||
| Accelerated/Gifted Math Proficiency Exams | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gifted or Accelerated Math Courses | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| 7th Grade Math AASA Mimic EOY 24-25 | May 5 - May 16, 2025 | Grade 6 students enrolled in Gifted, Traditional or Accelerated Math, & SCG Courses at Elementary Schools |
SECONDARY
| Comprehensive District Benchmarks via DnA/Illuminate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| Fall (BOY) ELA, Math AASA Mimic | July 29 - September 6, 2024 |
Grade 7-8 |
| Winter (MOY) ELA, Math AASA Mimic | November 18- December 18, 2024 | |
| Spring (EOY) ELA, Math AASA Mimic | February 17 - March 7, 2025 | |
| Fall Horizon, ACT, Pre-ACT English, Reading, Math, Science | July 29 - September 13, 2024 | Grade 9 & 11 (Gr 10 optional) |
| AZSCI MIMIC- Practice- Earth, Life & Physical | October 21 - March 7, 2025 | Grade 8 Practice |
| AZSCI MIMIC- Full Practice Test | October 21 - March 7, 2025 | Grade 8 & 11 Practice |
| AZSCI MIMIC- Practice Biology, Chem, Earth & Physics | October 21 - March 7, 2025 | Grade 11 Practice (9 - 12) |
| District Final Exams via DnA/Illuminate | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| English, Math, Science, Social Studies | December 13-20, 2024 | Grades 9-12** (JHS Algebra) |
| English, Math, Science, Social Studies | May 16-22, 2025 | |
| Common Unit Assessments | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| English | End of each unit | Grades 7-12 |
| PSAT/ NMSQT | ||
|---|---|---|
| Test Type | Test Window | Grade Levels |
| PSAT/ NMSQT | Tuesday, October 22 * Late Start | All 10th *Optional for 11th |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| Various | 2025 AP calendar | Grades 9 - 12 |
| Career and Technical Education (CTE) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Test Type | Test Window | Grade Levels |
| Technical Skill Assessment | March 24 - April 25, 2025 | 10 - 12 |
| Universal Screening Assessments/Diagnostic | ||
|---|---|---|
| Content Area(s) | Test Window | Grade Levels Tested |
| Fall Reading Universal Screening via DnA | August 5 - September 10, 2024 | Grades 7 & 8 required, 9 -12 optional |
| Winter Reading Universal Screening via DnA | November 11- December 18, 2024 | |
| Spring Reading Universal Screening via DnA | April 21 - May 16, 2025 | |
| Fall Math Universal Diagnostic | August 5 - August 30, 2024 | Grades 7 & 8 required (iReady Math), AGA required |
| Winter Math Universal Diagnostic | November 11- December 18, 2024 | |
| Spring Math Universal Diagnostic | April 21 - May 16, 2025 | |
*Universal Screeners are available for Reading (FastBridge) and Mathematics (iReady - JHS/HMH - HS)
College Testing Information & Resources
ACT
ACT® Testing & Information
Created by ACT® Inc., the ACT® is a standardized college readiness exam accepted and valued by all colleges and universities in the United States to assist in making admission decisions. The ACT® is based on what students learn in high school in English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science and provides personalized information about students’ strengths for education and career planning after high school.
The ACT® comprises four subtests: English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science. The exam is entirely multiple-choice. The ACT® Administration takes approximately 4.5 hours including breaks.
ACT® has many resources for Teachers, Students, and Families. The newly launched ACT® Academy has Test Prep for Students, Parents can use ACT® Academy to take an active role and Educators can find learning tools for students.
Civics Test
Civics Test
In the spring of 2015, the Arizona legislature passed the American Civics Act (House Bill 2064). This bill will require students, beginning with the graduating class of 2017 (currently Juniors), to pass a civics test based on the United States Immigration and Naturalization civics questions. Students will be required to score 60% or higher to graduate from high school or obtain a high school equivalency certificate. As a courtesy, the Arizona Department of Education, with help from the Maricopa County Education Service Agency and Arizona educators, has developed a mostly multiple-choice version of the required test.
Statutory Requirements
Please find the complete text of the statute at the Arizona State Legislature.
School district boards and charter school governing bodies may decide how the test is administered.
Students must correctly answer at least 60 of the 100 questions on the civics test Student may retake the test as many times as necessary to pass. New Legislation signed in 2022 requires student graduating in 2026 and after to have a passing score of 70/100. If a student graduates in 2026, and has already taken the civics test and scored 60-69, they will need to retest and score 70/100 sometime prior to graduation in 2026.
Schools must document a student’s passing grade on their transcript.
Students receiving special education services are required to test but exempt from obtaining a passing score unless required by an IEP.
Civics Test
The official list of 100 civics questions included on the naturalization test and free study materials are posted on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Gilbert Public Schools’ Plan
Beginning in the Fall of 2015, the Civics Test will be administered to all of Cohort 2017 (currently enrolled Juniors) at every GPS high school. The 100 question test will be offered multiple times through the school year at the High Schools. Because the statute is not tied to a specific high school course, GPS intends to provide as many opportunities for students to meet the requirement as possible between now and graduation from high school.
Spring 2016, the Civics Test will be administered again. This administration will include Cohort 2018 and any Cohort 2017 students who did not meet the requirement during the initial administration. Moving forward, students in Cohorts 2017 and later will have at least two opportunities each year to satisfy the requirement.
Once the Civics Test Requirement is met, students will be notified that they have passed and will no longer be required to sit for the assessment.
PSAT/NMSQT
PSAT/NMSQT Information
The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitute Test) is a great primer for the SAT, but it is so much more than a trial run! PSAT scores are used to identify National Merit Scholars and award merit scholarships. More than 3.4 million high school students take this nationwide, multiple-choice test every year.
The best way to study for the SAT is by using your PSAT results from October to focus specifically on the particular areas you need to improve. Your PSAT results can provide you with a personalized study plan if you link them with Khan Academy – the official test prep site for College Board. In addition, you can read about and take practice SAT tests on the CollegeBoard website.
Parental Assistance
Parent Assistance
GPS is doing everything we can to ensure our continued success in terms of student achievement, but we know we cannot do it alone. Continued parent support makes all the difference in our success.
What can parents do to help?
-
Send students to school: The State Accountability System incorporates the requirement that each school retains at least a 94% attendance rate. GPS will ensure that each school is a safe, welcoming environment, and parents can assist by sending students to school unless there is illness. Planning vacations, trips, etc., outside of the school schedule will make all the difference.
-
Send students to school on state testing days: The State Accountability System incorporates the requirement that GPS test at least 95% of all students, and 95% of each subgroup of our population. GPS will offer test make-up dates for all grade levels, but parents’ assistance in making sure that students are in attendance on these important days is imperative.
- Provide students with a positive attitude towards school, education, and testing: Parents influence the motivation of students to do well in the classroom and on state and district tests. If parents impress upon students the importance of education and the role of testing in monitoring individual student’s achievement and the quality of education provided by the school, students will perform better and be more successful.
- Impress upon students the importance of attaining a high school education, and the limitations on future success without a high school diploma: Our high schools’ accountability profile requires that we maintain our high graduation rate and low dropout rate. GPS will continue to provide the variety in high school courses to motivate students to follow their interests and stay in school until graduation. Parents, however, can influence a student’s decision to stay in school, which helps promote high expectations for their child’s future.
SAT
SAT® Testing & Information
The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities as part on their admissions decisions. The SAT is a product of the College Board.
School Testing Codes
Each High School has an assigned school code that you will use when taking any college placement exam (ACT/PSAT/SAT).
- CVHS -- 030696
- DRHS -- 030424
- GCA -- 030132
- GGA -- 030796
- GHS -- 030140
- HHS -- 030141
- MHS -- 030157
Testing FAQs
Send Your Test Scores
Remember, many colleges and scholarships will also want a copy of your Test Scores (SAT, AP, and ACT).
Visit the College Board (SAT scores and AP scores) and/or ACT (ACT scores) websites to request your test scores be sent directly to the University/Scholarship Committee.
Don't Forget Your Picture
Students must now upload a picture of themselves and bring a printed admission ticket to their test center. Read the instructions carefully on the ACT and SAT websites so you are admitted to the test.
Should I Take the Test More Than Once?
A: Check with the college/university you are applying to.
Do they accept only the first test? Do they accept the best score for any test? Do they average all of the tests?
A: These are good questions to ask the University's Admissions Department.
In-State: If you are going to an Arizona University:
They will accept the BEST test score. This means you could take it 3 times, and they will only look at the best test score.
Many merit-based Scholarships are based on a student's GPA, class rank, and test score. Increasing your test score by a few points can increase your merit-based scholarship by THOUSANDS of dollars.
Some students may find that they do better on one test over the other. A general rule could be to take both tests and then retake the one you do the best on- after studying, of course.