Missouri students participate in end-of-year assessments administered online. Designated grades include performance events in the test (see chart below). Performance tasks can take three to four hours to complete.
Missouri has separate testing requirements for the K-8 and high school levels. Please consult with your district testing coordinator for further information.
MAP procedures
The MAP tests will be given to students in grades three through eight in math and English language arts. Students in grades five and eight will take the science MAP.
Students with severe disabilities take the MAP-Alternate, or MAP-A. This assessment is not a pencil-and-paper exam, but is based on a portfolio that evaluates a student’s success in learning everyday living skills. A student’s Individualized Education Plan team decides whether students will take this test. The MAP-A also applies to high school students who qualify. These students undergo their math assessment in grade 10, and their English language arts and science assessments in grade 11.
The state’s annual testing window takes place every spring. Testing windows are sometimes extended at the state level due to unusual circumstances such as inclement weather.
Student performance is reported in terms of four performance (or achievement) levels that describe a pathway to proficiency. Each achievement level represents standards of performance for each assessed content area; achievement levels describe what students can do in terms of the content and skills on the assessment. The performance standards and indicators are used to generate a district’s Annual Performance Review (APR). This is the means of accountability for districts within MSIP 5.
End-of-course assessments
High school students undergo testing, but the program is tied to courses taken, rather than grade level. English language arts and math EOCs will assess student progress toward the Missouri Learning Standards.
End-of-course exams are given to students in the following classes, on dates specified by DESE:
- Algebra 1
- Algebra 2 (for students who take Algebra 1 prior to high school)
- Biology (available at district cost)
- English 2 (English 1 available at district cost)
- Geometry (available at district cost)
- Government (no cost)
- American history (available at district cost)
- Physical Science (available at district cost)
- Personal Finance
Algebra 1 and biology will include a performance event. English 2 students will again have a writing prompt session. These tests are designed for three- to four-hour periods, but will not be timed and teachers may give students additional time to finish if necessary.
All tests have an estimated time ranging from 55-110 minutes. Assessments are administered online. DESE’s testing vendor, Data Recognition Corporation (DRC), will administer, score, and report all Spring 2021 Grade-Level Assessments.
District test coordinators will receive students’ raw scores so that teachers can factor results into students’ course grades. DESE recommends student scores count for 10 to 25 percent of their course grades, but advises districts to establish a policy on how the scores should be considered in grading. School districts must ensure that students take the EOC exams, but DESE has not established a passing score. Passage of the tests will not be a graduation requirement.
End-of-high-school assessments
EOHS assessments will be administered for English and mathematics. DESE has no intention to make graduation dependent on any test.
Visit dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/assessment for full information, including test dates, examiner training, updated assessment resources and the revised MSIP5 High School Assessment Plan.
