Statewide Testing Information

OCSD Strategic Plan Goal 1:

Goal 1: each and every student will achieve at high levels as measured by multiple means.

How Do Tests Help Reach the Goal? 

  • Challenge your child to think critically and apply their knowledge to real-world problems

  • Go beyond multiple choice and ask your child to explain their answers

  • Act as a snapshot of your child’s progress and may be considered along with other pieces of information to determine your child’s academic success

  • Help identify schools and districts that need additional supports to ensure more students are meeting higher standards

  • The Oregon Statewide Assessment System (OSAS) English Language Arts Summative Test which is required to be administered annually in grades 3 – 8 and 11.  

  • The federally required statewide summative OSAS Math Test is administered annually to most students in grades 3 – 8 and 11. Students experiencing significant cognitive disabilities take the Oregon Extended Math Test.

  • OSAS Science Test Overview (English | Spanish)

    The term 'opt-out' refers to the legislatively created process that applies to the ELA and Math assessments. For science assessments, parents may request their student be exempted from testing based on disability or religion. Unlike the opt-out process for Math and ELA, parent requests for exemption from all other tests must satisfy the following conditions:

    • Be submitted in writing to the district (email or on paper)

    • Include the reasons for the request based on disability or religion

    • Propose an alternative learning activity for the student

    Exemption requests are subject to district review and determination of whether to approve. An ODE developed form for exemption requests does not exist.

  • The ELPA measures and reports on students’ English language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and comprehension. Delivered online, ELPA is designed to be interactive and includes questions that reflect real-world scenarios. Its main purpose is to qualify students for appropriate language services and help guide schools to best support student needs. Students in grades K-12 who qualify for English Language Development Services take the ELPA annually until the demonstrate proficiency.

  • Oregon state is requiring an evaluation tool known as the SEEDS. SEEDS stands for Student Educational Equity Development Survey. To learn more, click here.

Annual Notice & Opt Outs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time do the tests take?
The tests are not timed so your child can take as long as he or she needs to fully demonstrate what he or she knows and can do.

When will my child take the test?
Your child will be tested once after he or she has completed at least two-thirds of the school year. Your child’s school will determine the specific dates your child takes the tests within the statewide testing windows. 

Why does participation matter?
While no single test can give a complete picture of your child’s progress, having your child take the statewide tests provides educators and administrators with information about what educational approaches are working and where additional resources are needed. Your child’s participation is important to ensure schools and districts receive the targeted resources they need to help all students succeed.

Can I opt-out my student from taking  statewide tests?
Each year parents and adult students have the right to opt-out of statewide tests if they acknowledge that they along with teachers and administrators may lose valuable information about student progress. State of Oregon Test Information and Opt-out forms are available above for English Language Arts and Mathematics. You can also request a printed form from any school office. Written notice to the district including the reason related to religion or disability is sufficient documentation for exemption of the Oregon State Assessment in Science (at grades 5, 8, and 11) or ELPA Summative Assessment (K-12). Exemption is subject to district approval.

Where can I get additional information about statewide tests? 

Parent information on Oregon’s Statewide Assessments (English and Spanish)