Assessments and Accountability
Welcome! State and district assessments are essential for measuring your student’s progress. Please help us by avoiding appointments or absences on testing days to ensure accurate results and consistent support for their academic growth. Thank you!
State Assessments
State assessments are standardized tests required by the state to measure student learning and academic growth. These assessments help track progress toward state educational standards, identify areas of improvement, and ensure students are meeting grade-level expectations. State assessment results provide valuable data to support instructional decisions and help us tailor support to meet every student’s needs.
ACT
March 25, Juniors
The ACT is a standardized test for college admissions, assessing students’ readiness for college-level work in English, Math, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing section.
ACT Aspire
April 8 and April 9, Freshmen
ACT Aspire measures students’ progress toward college and career readiness covering English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing.
AzSCI
March 19, Juniors
The AzSCI test assesses students’ understanding of the Arizona Science Standards focusing on scientific concepts and practices.
AZELLA
January 27 through March 14, Eligible Students
The Arizona English Language Learner Assessment (AZELLA) measures the English language proficiency of students whose primary language is not English.
MSAA
March 10 through April 25, Eligible Students
The Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) is designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities, measuring their progress in ELA, Mathematics, and Science.
District and Specialty Assessments
End of Course Assessment (EOCA)
December 18 through December 20, All Grades
May 13 through May 15, All Grades
These assessments evaluate students’ understanding and mastery of the content taught in specific courses at the end of the term.
Civics Exam
Required for graduation, these exams assess students’ knowledge of U.S. government and civics. The exam is based on the Naturalization Test. Students will take this test in their U.S. History classes.
Advanced Placement (AP)
AP exams allow high school students to earn college credit and demonstrate mastery of college-level coursework in various subjects.
Career and Technology Education (CTE)
CTE assessments measure students’ skills and knowledge in career and technical education programs, preparing them for the workforce or further education. Contact your student’s teacher for specific testing dates.
Testing Accommodations
There are accommodations available for qualifying students. To learn more, refer to Arizona Department of Education’s Accommodations Manual. All accommodations for state assessments and AP exams must be submitted by the school. For more information contact your school’s Assistant Principal of Registration.
Frequently Asked Assessment Questions
Please review this section for frequently asked questions.
Why is state testing required and why is it important?
State testing is required by both state and federal laws to ensure all students receive a quality education. It helps measure student progress, hold schools accountable, and guide improvements in teaching and curriculum.
When are state tests administered?
State tests are administered at various times during the year. Please check the TUHSD Assessment Calendar for more information.
How are state test results used?
Test results help identify areas where students need additional support, inform instructional practices, and contribute to school and district accountability measures.
What happens if my child misses a state test?
If your student misses the test, there will be makeup days available. However, taking the test on a makeup day can disrupt their regular classes and may cause scheduling conflicts with other activities. It’s best to take the test on the scheduled day to avoid these issues.
How can I help my child prepare for state tests?
Ensure your child gets plenty of rest, eats a healthy breakfast, and arrives at school on time. Familiarize them with the test format and practice sample questions if available.
What are district assessments and how do they differ from state tests?
District assessments are tests administered by the district to measure student progress throughout the year. They can include End of Course Assessments (EOCA), Civics Exam, and Career and Technology Education (CTE) assessments.
Who should I contact if I have questions about testing?
For state tests, contact your school’s Assistant Principal of Registration or the district’s assessment office. For district assessments, reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselor.