Standardized tests are key learning tool

Oregon’s statewide assessments, called the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (OAKS), are taken by students in grades 3-8, plus grade 11. Students are required to take annual state assessments in reading/literature and math. In addition, students in grade 11 take a writing assessment, and students in grades 5, 8, and 11 take science assessments. OAKS tests show:

• How well students have learned what they need to know in each subject.
• How well schools are serving students. The state rates your school based on how well students perform on OAKS – including whether enough students take OAKS tests. (The Oregon Department of Education requires that 95 percent of students take OAKS tests at every grade they are offered.)

OAKS tests are just one of the ways teachers assess how well students are doing in school. However, they are important because they are objective, standards-based and comparable across schools and school districts.

A requirement for graduation
In Oregon, students are required to show mastery in key areas in order to graduate from high school. Most students show that mastery by passing the Reading and Writing OAKS tests. (The Class of 2014 and beyond must also pass Math tests.)

Students are required to take the OAKS tests unless they qualify for an exemption.

Exemptions
State law allows for students to opt out of the tests for only two reasons: for disability or religious reasons. Parental permission is required for a student to opt-out of a test.

Learn more
You can learn more about standardized testing, including student exemptions, at www.ode.state.or.us/home/.

If you have questions about standardized testing in Portland Public Schools, please go to www.pps.net/departments/research-evaluation/1487.htm or contact PPS Research, Evaluation & Assessment at jsuggs@pps.net or 503-916-3341.

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At Portland Public Schools, this is our goal: By the end of elementary, middle, and high school, every student by name will meet or exceed academic standards and will be fully prepared to make productive life decisions. For more information on Portland Public Schools, call 503-916-3304, e-mail us at pubinfo@pps.net, or visit www.pps.k12.or.us. Portland Public Schools is an equal opportunity educator and employer.