Family Assessment Calendars: All Grades
Below you will find the updated assessment calendars for the 2025-26 academic year. These calendars represent tests that are given on a large scale, mandated by the State of Wisconsin or by the district. Classroom level tests are not included. Test windows indicate the entire time possible for a school to give a test, it does not mean that students will be testing during the entire window. For exact dates of tests, contact the specific school that your student attends.
The family friendly calendars below. If you require a PDF version please reach out to the assessment team.
Updated 8 August 2025
2025-26 Calendars
You will find information regarding assessments below, separated by grade level.
2025-26 Elementary Calendars
Elementary Calendars
4 Year Old Kindergarten
Assessments for All Grade 4K Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TS Gold | Progress on developmental areas | Fall, Winter and Spring checkpoint dates, annual window |
Teachers provide observations |
| Aimswebplus | Literacy Screener (5-10 minutes) |
|
State-mandated screener |
Assessments for some 4K Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment | Only given once to a potential EL student. |
Kindergarten
Assessments for All Grade K Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FastBridge earlyReading |
Literacy Screener |
|
Spanish version for No test dates: 9/22-9/24,10/1-2, 10/22-23, 3/20- 21, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
| FastBridge earlyMath | Math Screener |
|
No test dates: 9/22-9/24,10/1-2 |
Assessments for some Grade K Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
Grade 1
Assessments for All Grade 1 Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AimswebPlus | Literacy Screener |
|
Spanish version for DLI students No test dates: 9/22- 9/24, 10/2, 10/21-10/23, 3/20 -3/21, 4/1- 4/2, 4/14
|
| FastBridge earlyMath composite |
Math Screener (3-5 minutes) |
|
No test dates: 9/22-9/24,10/2 |
Assessments for some Grade 1 Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hmong Early Reading Screener | Hmong Language proficiency |
|
Hmong Heritage students No test dates: 9/22- 9/24, 10/2, 10/21-10/23, 3/20 -3/21, 4/1-4/2, 4/14 |
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
December 1 – Jan 30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| Alternate ACCESS | English Language proficiency test |
December 1 – Jan 30 | For EL students with specific IEPs |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
Grade 2
Assessments for All Grade 2 Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AimswebPlus |
Literacy Screener (5-10 minutes) |
|
Spanish version for DLI/DBE students No test dates: 9/22- 9/24, 10/2, 10/21 10/23, 3/20 -3/21, 4/1- 4/2, 4/14 |
| FastBridge CBMmath, aMath |
Math Screener (approx. 30 minutes) |
|
No test dates: 9/22-9/24,10/2 |
| Naglieri General Ability Test | Problem- solving screener |
Fall: 10/27 - 11/14 | Advanced Learning |
Assessments for some Grade 2 Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hmong Early Reading & Hmong CBMReading Screeners |
Literacy Screeners (5-10 minutes) |
|
Hmong Heritage students No test dates: 9/22- 9/24, 10/2, 10/21- 10/23, 3/20 - 3/21, 4/1-4/2, 4/14 |
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| Alternate ACCESS | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | For EL students with specific IEPs |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
Grade 3
Assessments for All Grade 3 Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AimswebPlus |
Literacy Screener (5-10 minutes) |
|
Spanish version for DLI/DBE students No test dates: 9/22-9/24,10/1-2, |
| FastBridge CBMmath, Math Automaticity, aMath |
Math Screener (approx. 30 minutes) |
|
No test dates: 9/22-9/24,10/1-2 |
| Wisconsin Forward Exam |
State test | 3/16 – 4/24 |
ELA & Math No test date: 3/20-21, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
| Climate Survey | District survey (15 minutes) |
|
Assessments for some Grade 3 Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hmong Early Reading & Hmong CBMReading Screeners |
Literacy Screeners (5-10 minutes) |
|
Hmong Heritage students No test dates: 9/22- 9/24, 10/1-2, 10/21- 10/23, 3/20 - 3/21, 4/1-4/2, 4/14 |
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| Alternate ACCESS | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | For EL students with specific IEPs |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
| Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) | Alternate State test | Spring: 3/16 – 4/24 |
For some students with IEPs No test: 3/20-21, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
Grade 4
Assessments for All Grade 4 Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FastBridge CBMReading (Curriculum Based Measure) |
Literacy Screener (5-10 minutes) |
|
Spanish version for DLI/DBE students No test dates: |
| FastBridge CBMmath, FastBridge aMath |
Math Screener (approx. 30 minutes) |
|
No test dates: 9/22-9/24,10/1-2 |
| Wisconsin Forward Exam |
State test | 3/16 – 4/24 |
ELA, Math, Science & Social Studies No test date: 3/20, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
| Climate Survey | District survey |
|
No test date: 4/14 |
Assessments for some Grade 4 Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hmong Early Reading & Hmong CBMReading Screeners |
Literacy Screeners (5-10 minutes) |
|
Hmong Heritage students No test dates: 9/22-24,10/1-2 |
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| Alternate ACCESS | Progress on standards |
12/1 – 1/30 | Alternate test for EL students with IEPs |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
| Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) | Alternate State test | Spring: 3/16 – 4/24 |
For some students with IEPs No test: 3/20-21, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
Grade 5
Assessments for All Grade 5 Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FastBridge CBMReading (Curriculum Based Measure) |
Literacy Screener
|
|
No test dates: |
| FastBridge CBMmath, FastBridge aMath |
Math Screener (approx. 30 minutes) |
|
No test dates: 9/22-9/24,10/1-2 |
| Wisconsin Forward Exam |
State test | 3/16 – 4/24 |
ELA & Math No test date: 3/20, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
| Climate Survey | District survey |
|
No test date: 4/14 |
Assessments for some Grade 5 Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| Alternate ACCESS for ELLs | Progress on standards |
12/1 – 1/30 | Alternate test for EL students with IEPs |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
| AAPPL | Spanish Language proficiency test | 10/27 – 11/14 |
For DLI/DBE students No test date: 11/5 |
| Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) | Alternate State test | Spring: 3/16 – 4/25 |
For some students with IEPs No test: 3/20, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
2025-26 Middle School Calendars
Middle School Calendars
Grade 6
Assessments for All Grade 6 Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achieve 3000 Levelset |
Reading screener |
|
Spanish and English No test dates: 9/22- 9/24 |
| iReady Diagnostic | Math Screener |
|
Provides current instructional information No test dates: 9/22- 9/24 |
| Wisconsin Forward Exam |
State test | 3/16 – 4/24 | No Testing: 3/20, 3/21, 4/1-4/3, 4/14 |
| Climate Survey | District survey |
|
No Testing: 10/22- 10/23, 4/14 |
Assessments for some Grade 6 Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| Alternate ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Alternate test for some EL students with IEPs |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
| Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) | Alternate State test | 3/16 – 4/24 |
For some students with IEPs No test: 3/20-21, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
Grade 7
Assessments for All Grade 7 Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achieve 3000 Levelset |
Reading screener |
|
Spanish and English No test dates: 9/22- 9/24 |
| iReady Diagnostic | Math Screener |
|
Provides current instructional information No test dates: 9/22- 9/24 |
| Wisconsin Forward Exam |
State test | 3/16 – 4/24 | No Testing: 3/20, 4/14 |
| Climate Survey | District survey |
|
No Testing: 10/22- 10/23, 4/14 |
Assessments for some Grade 7 Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| Alternate ACCESS for ELLs | Progress on standards | 12/1 – 1/30 | Alternate test for some EL students with IEPs |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
| Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) | Alternate State test | 3/16 – 4/24 |
For some students with IEPs No test: 3/20-21, 4/14 |
Grade 8
Assessments for All Grade 8 Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achieve 3000 Levelset |
Reading screener |
|
Spanish and English No test dates: 9/22- 9/24 |
| iReady Diagnostic | Math Screener |
|
Provides current instructional information No test dates: 9/22- 9/24 |
| Wisconsin Forward Exam |
State test | 3/16 – 4/24 |
ELA, Math, Science & Social Studies No Testing: 3/20-21, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
| Climate Survey | District survey |
|
No Testing: 10/22- 10/23, 4/14 |
Assessments for some Grade 8 Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| PreACT | AVID only | 10/20 – 11/7 | No test date: 11/5 |
| Alternate ACCESS for ELLs | Progress on standards | 12/1 – 1/30 | Alternate test for some EL students with IEPs |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
| AAPPL | Language proficiency screener |
10/27-11/14 |
For DLI/DBE and World Language students; 4 domains tested No test date: 11/5 |
| Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) | Alternate State test | 3/16 – 4/24 |
For some students with IEPs No test: 3/20-21, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
2025-26 High School Calendars
High School Calendars
Grade 9
Assessments for All Grade 9 Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achieve 3000 Levelset |
Reading screener |
|
Offered in Spanish for Students in DLI No test date: 9/22- 9/24 |
| PreACT Secure exam | Progress towards standards | 3/16 – 4/24 |
Grade 9 & 10 only day: April 15, 2026 Asynchronous day for grades 11, 12 No test date: 3/20-21, 4/1- |
| Climate Survey | District survey |
|
No test date: 11/1, 4/14 |
Assessments for some Grade 9 Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| Alternate ACCESS for ELLs | Progress on standards | 12/1 – 1/30 | Alternate test for some EL students with IEPs |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | Potential for earning college credit |
5/4 – 5/15 | At the Alliant Energy Center |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
| Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) | Alternate State test | 3/16 – 4/24 |
For some students with IEPs No test: 3/20-21, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
Grade 10
Assessments for All Grade 10 Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PreACT exam | Progress towards standards | 3/16 – 4/24 |
Grade 9 & 10 only day: April 15, 2026 Asynchronous day for grades 11, 12 No test date: 3/20-21, 4/1- |
| Climate Survey | District survey |
|
No test date: 10/22-23, 4/14 |
Assessments for some Grade 10 Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| Alternate ACCESS for ELLs | Progress on standards | 12/1 – 1/30 | Alternate test for some EL students with IEPs |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | Potential for earning college credit |
5/4 – 5/15 | At the Alliant Energy Center |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
| Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) | Alternate State test | 3/16 – 4/24 |
For some students with IEPs No test date: 3/20-21, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
Grade 11
Assessments for All Grade 11 Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT + Writing Exam |
State Test Assesses College/Career Readiness |
3/10 |
Junior only day, make Asynchronous for grades 9, 10 & 12 |
| Climate Survey | District survey |
|
No test date: 10/22-23, 4/14 |
Assessments for some Grade 11 Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| Alternate ACCESS for ELLs | Progress on standards | 12/1 – 1/30 | Alternate test for some EL students with IEPs |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | Potential for earning college credit |
5/4 – 5/15 | At the Alliant Energy Center |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener |
Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
| PSAT/NMSQT | Summative | 10/21 | Must register |
| AAPPL | Language proficiency test |
2/2 – 3/21 | For DLI and World Language level 3+; Seal of Biliteracy students |
| Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) | Alternate State test | 3/16 – 4/24 |
For some students with IEPs No test date: 3/20-21, 4/1-3, 4/14 |
Grade 12
Assessments for All Grade 12 Students 2025-26
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Survey | District survey |
|
No test date: 10/22-23, 4/14 |
Assessments for some Grade 12 Students
Based on program or documented need
| Test | Purpose | Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCESS for ELLs | English Language proficiency test |
12/1 – 1/30 | Only for English Learner (EL) students |
| Alternate ACCESS for ELLs | Progress on standards | 12/1 – 1/30 | Alternate test for some EL students with IEPs |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | Potential for earning college credit | 5/4 – 5/15 | |
| WIDA Screener | Language proficiency screener | Ongoing, upon enrollment |
Only given once to a potential EL student. |
| AAPPL | Language proficiency test |
2/2 – 3/21 | For DLI and World Language level 3+; Seal of Biliteracy students |
Contact Us
For additional questions or concerns, please contact Tim Peterson, Ed.D., Director of Assessment at tpeterson2@madison.k12.wi.us.