Assessments Explained
Assessments Explained
State Required Assessments
The Wyoming Department of Education requires certain tests each year. These assessments help families, teachers, and the state understand how well students are learning grade-level expectations.
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Who Takes It: Students in grades 3-10
When: Each Spring
What it Measures:
- English/Language Arts and Math (grades 3-10)
- Writing (Grades 5, 7, and 9)
- Science (Grades 4, 8, and 10)
When the Results are Available: Official scores are provided to school districts and families in the fall
How Results are Used: WY-TOPP shows how well students met Wyoming learning standards and includes a growth score that shows how much they improved compared to similar students
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Who Takes It: Students learning English as a second language
When: Each Winter
What it Measures: Reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
When the Results are Available: Official scores are provided to school districts and families in the fall
How Results are Used: ACCESS helps schools track English language growth and determine language support services
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Who Takes It: All 11th grade students
When: Spring of their junior year
What it Measures: College readiness in English, Reading, and Math
When the Results are Available: Typically available within a month after the test is taken
How Results are Used: Scores may be used for college admissions, scholarships, and Hathaway Scholarship eligibility
District Required Assessments
In addition to state required assessments, Laramie County School District 1 uses assessments during the year to support student learning and guide instruction.
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Who Takes It: Students in grades 3-10
When: Fall and Winter
What it Measures:
- English/Language Arts and Math (grades 3-10)
- Writing (Grades 5, 7, and 9)
- Science (Grades 4, 8, and 10)
When the Results are Available: Immediately
How Results are Used: Teachers, students, and families can better understand current performance and adjust instruction in areas where students need more help.
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Who Takes It: All students in grade K-12
When: Fall, Winter, and Spring
What it Measures:
- Reading (K-12)
- Math (K-6)
When the Results are Available: Immediately
How Results are Used: The screening helps identify students who may need extra support or interventions
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Who Takes It: Students in grades 7-12
When: Varies – often at the end of units and/or quarters
What it Measures: Skills and knowledge taught in class, based district curriculum
When the Results are Available: Teacher scored; generally within one week
How Results are Used: These assessments show how well students learned the course content and make up a significant part of the course grade