A: Choose Dates for Testing

Consider guidelines for testing dates

To learn the basics, view the following video:


  • Length—Keep the test window length short (about 3 weeks) so you can make valid comparisons, especially between students in the same grade.
  • Consistency—To ensure valid comparisons from one academic year to the next, try to keep the timing consistent.
  • Spacing—Provide enough instruction between testing to give you meaningful growth measurements. For example, schools typically test around week 4 in the fall, week 20 in the winter, and week 32 in the spring.

Consider bandwidth

The network traffic at each school limits the number of testing sessions you should schedule at any given time. Considerations include:

  • Total number of students testing at the same time
  • Kinds of tests (tests for the primary grades require more bandwidth because of the audio)
  • Other networking activity (ideally, keep usage of the Internet to a minimum during testing)

Compare a detailed schedule

Sample Testing Schedules

Next Steps... 

Date Setup Before Testing


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