Family Assessment Calendars: All Grades

Below you will find the updated assessment calendars for the 2026-27 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 31 August 2026

2026-27 Calendars

You will find information regarding assessments below, separated by grade level.

2026-27 Elementary Calendars

Elementary Calendars

4 Year Old Kindergarten

Assessments for All Grade 4K Students 2026-27

Electronic version here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
TS Gold	Progress on developmental areas	Fall, Winter and Spring checkpoint dates, annual window	Teachers provide observations
Aimsweb+	Literacy Screener (5-10 minutes)	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Spring: 3/15 – 4/16	State-mandated screener No Testing: 9/11, 9/21

Test

Purpose

Window

Notes

TS Gold

Progress on developmental areas

Fall, Winter and Spring
checkpoint dates,
annual window

Teachers provide
observations

Aimsweb+

Literacy Screener (5-10 minutes)

Fall: 9/8 – 10/2
Spring: 3/15 – 4/16

State-mandated screener

No Testing: 9/11, 9/21

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 2026-27

Electronic version linked here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
Aimsweb+	Literacy Screener	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Winter: 12/1 – 1/15 Spring: 3/15 – 4/16	Spanish version for DLI students No test dates: 9/11, 9/21, 4/14
FastBridge earlyMath	Math Screener	Fall: 9/8 – 10/9 Winter: 12/1 – 1/15 Spring: 5/3 – 5/28	No test dates: 9/11, 9/21

Test

Purpose

Window

Notes

Aimsweb+

Literacy Screener

Fall: 9/8 – 10/2
Winter: 12/1 – 1/15
Spring: 3/15 – 4/16

Spanish version for
DLI students

No test dates: 9/11, 9/21, 4/14

FastBridge earlyMath

Math Screener

Fall: 9/8 – 10/9
Winter: 12/1 – 1/15
Spring: 5/3 – 5/28

No test dates:
9/11, 9/21

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 – 1/28	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 2026-27

Electronic version linked here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
AimswebPlus	Literacy Screener	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Winter: 12/1– 1/15 Spring: 3/15 – 4/16	Spanish version for DLI students No test dates: 9/11, 9/21, 4/14
FastBridge earlyMath composite	Math Screener (3-5 minutes)	Fall: 9/8 – 10/9 Winter: 12/1 – 1/15 Spring: 5/3 – 5/28	No test dates: 9/11, 9/21

Test

Purpose

Window

Notes

AimswebPlus

Literacy Screener

Fall: 9/8 – 10/2
Winter: 12/1– 1/15
Spring: 3/15 – 4/16

Spanish version for DLI students

No test dates: 9/11, 9/21, 4/14

FastBridge earlyMath
composite

Math Screener

(3-5 minutes)

Fall: 9/8 – 10/9
Winter: 12/1 – 1/15
Spring: 5/3 – 5/28

No test dates:
9/11, 9/21

Assessments for some Grade 1 Students

Based on program or documented need

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
Hmong Early Reading Screener	Hmong Language proficiency	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Winter: 12/1– 1/15 Spring: 3/15 – 4/16	Hmong Heritage students No test dates: 9/11, 9/21, 4/14
ACCESS for ELLs	English Language proficiency test	December 1 – Jan 28	Only for English Learner (EL) students
Alternate ACCESS	English Language proficiency test	December 1 – Jan 28	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 2026-27

Electronic version here.

Test

Purpose

Window

Notes

Aimsweb+

Literacy Screener

(5-10 minutes)

Fall: 9/8 – 10/2
Winter: 12/1– 1/15
Spring: 3/15 – 4/16

Spanish version for DLI/DBE students

No test dates: 9/11, 9/21, 4/14

FastBridge CBMmath,
aMath

Math Screener
(approx. 30 minutes)

Fall: 9/8 – 10/9
Winter: 12/1 – 1/29
Spring: 5/3 – 5/28

No test dates:
9/11, 9/21

Naglieri General Ability Test

Problem- solving screener

Fall: 10/26 - 11/13

Advanced Learning No test dates:
11/10, 11/11

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)	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Winter: 12/1– 1/15 Spring: 3/15 – 4/16	Hmong Heritage students No test dates: 9/11, 9/21, 4/14
ACCESS for ELLs	English Language proficiency test	12/1 – 1/28	Only for English Learner (EL) students
Alternate ACCESS	English Language proficiency test	12/1 – 1/28	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 2026-27

Electronic version here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
Aimsweb+	Literacy Screener (5-10 minutes)	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Winter: 12/1– 1/15 Spring: 3/15 – 4/16	Spanish version for DLI/DBE students No test dates: 9/11, 9/21, 4/14
FastBridge CBMmath, Math Automaticity, aMath	Math Screener (approx. 30 minutes)	Fall: 9/8 – 10/9 Winter: 12/1 – 1/15 Spring: 5/3 – 5/28	No test dates: 9/11, 9/21
Wisconsin Forward Exam	State test	3/15 – 4/20	ELA & Math No test date: 4/14, 4/21-23
Climate Survey	District survey (15 minutes)	Fall: 10/5 – 10/30 Spring: 3/1 – 3/19	No test date: 3/9

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)	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Winter: 12/1– 1/15 Spring: 3/15 – 4/16	Hmong Heritage students No test dates: 9/11, 9/21, 4/14
ACCESS for ELLs	English Language proficiency test	12/1 – 1/28	Only for English Learner (EL) students
Alternate ACCESS	English Language proficiency test	12/1 – 1/28	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: 3/15 – 4/20	For some students with IEPs No test: 4/14, 4/21-23

Grade 4

Assessments for All Grade 4 Students 2026-27

Electronic version here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
FastBridge CBMReading (Curriculum Based Measure)	Literacy Screener (5-10 minutes)	Fall: 9/8 – 10/9 Winter: 12/1 – 1/15 Spring: 5/3 – 5/28	Spanish version for DLI/DBE students No test dates: 9/11, 9/21
FastBridge CBMmath, FastBridge aMath	Math Screener (approx. 30 minutes)	Fall: 9/8 – 10/9 Winter: 12/1 – 1/15 Spring: 5/3 – 5/28	No test dates: 9/11, 9/21
Wisconsin Forward Exam	State test	3/15 – 4/20	ELA, Math, Science & Social Studies No test date: 4/14, 4/21-23
Climate Survey	District survey	Fall: 10/5 – 10/30 Spring: 3/1 – 3/19	No test date: 3/9

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)	Fall: 9/8 – 10/9 Winter: 12/1– 1/15 Spring: 5/3 – 5/28	Hmong Heritage students No test dates: 9/11, 9/21
ACCESS for ELLs	English Language proficiency test	12/1 – 1/28	Only for English Learner (EL) students
Alternate ACCESS	Progress on standards	12/1 – 1/28	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: 3/15 – 4/20	For some students with IEPs No test: 4/14, 4/21-23

Grade 5

Assessments for All Grade 5 Students 2026-27

Electronic version here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
FastBridge CBMReading (Curriculum Based Measure)	Literacy Screener	Fall: 9/8 – 10/9 Winter: 12/1 – 1/15 Spring: 5/3 – 5/28	No test dates: 9/11, 9/21-24
FastBridge CBMmath, FastBridge aMath	Math Screener (approx. 30 minutes)	Fall: 9/8 – 10/9 Winter: 12/1 – 1/15 Spring: 5/3 – 5/28	No test dates: 9/11, 9/21
Wisconsin Forward Exam	State test	3/15 – 4/20	ELA & Math No test date: 4/14, 4/21-23
Climate Survey	District survey	Fall: 10/5 – 10/30 Spring: 3/1 – 3/19	No test date3/9

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 – 1/28	Only for English Learner (EL) students
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs	Progress on standards	12/1 – 1/28	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	10/26 – 11/13	For DLI/DBE students
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM)	Alternate State test	Spring: 3/15 – 4/20	For some students with IEPs No test: 4/14, 4/21-23

2026-27 Middle School Calendars

Middle School Calendars

Grade 6

Assessments for All Grade 6 Students 2026-27

Electronic version here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
Achieve 3000 Levelset	Reading screener	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Winter: 12/7 - 1/15 Spring: 5/3 -5/28	Spanish and English No test dates: 9/11, 9/21
iReady Diagnostic	Math Screener	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Winter: 12/7 - 1/15 Spring: 5/3 -5/28	Provides current instructional information No test dates: 9/11, 9/21
Wisconsin Forward Exam	State test	3/15 – 4/20	No Testing: 4/14, 4/21-23
Climate Survey	District survey	Fall: 10/5 – 10/30 Spring: 3/1 – 3/19	No Testing: 3/9

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 – 1/28	Only for English Learner (EL) students
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs	English Language proficiency test	12/1 – 1/28	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	3/15 – 4/20	For some students with IEPs No test: 4/14, 4/21-23

Grade 7

Assessments for All Grade 7 Students 2026-27

Electronic version here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
Achieve 3000 Levelset	Reading screener	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Winter: 12/7 - 1/15 Spring: 5/3 -5/28	Spanish and English No test dates: 9/11, 9/21
iReady Diagnostic	Math Screener	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Winter: 12/7 - 1/15 Spring: 5/3 -5/28	Provides current instructional information No test dates: 9/11, 9/21
Wisconsin Forward Exam	State test	3/15 – 4/20	No Testing: 4/14, 4/21-23
Climate Survey	District survey	Fall: 10/5 – 10/30 Spring: 3/1 – 3/19	No Testing: 3/9

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 – 1/28	Only for English Learner (EL) students
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs	Progress on standards	12/1 – 1/28	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	3/15 – 4/20	For some students with IEPs No test: 4/14, 4/21-23

Grade 8

Assessments for All Grade 8 Students 2026-27

Electronic version here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
Achieve 3000 Levelset	Reading screener	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Winter: 12/7 - 1/15 Spring: 5/3 -5/28	Spanish and English No test dates: 9/11, 9/21
iReady Diagnostic	Math Screener	Fall: 9/8 – 10/2 Winter: 12/7 - 1/15 Spring: 5/3 -5/28	Provides current instructional information No test dates: 9/11, 9/21
Wisconsin Forward Exam	State test	3/15 – 4/20	ELA, Math, Science & Social Studies No Testing: 4/14, 4/21-23
Climate Survey	District survey	Fall: 10/5 – 10/30 Spring: 3/1 – 3/19	No Testing: 3/9

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 – 1/28	Only for English Learner (EL) students
PreACT	AVID only	10/19 – 11/6	No test date: 11/5
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs	Progress on standards	12/1 – 1/28	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	10/26-11/13	For DLI/DBE and World Language students; 4 domains tested No test date: 11/0, 11/11
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM)	Alternate State test	3/15 – 4/20	For some students with IEPs No test: 4/14, 4/21-23

2026-27 High School Calendars

High School Calendars

Grade 9

Assessments for All Grade 9 Students 2026-27

Electronic version here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
Achieve 3000 Levelset	Reading screener	Fall: 9/14 – Winter: 1/11 – 2/12 Spring: 5/3 – 5/28	Offered in Spanish for Students in DLI No test date: 9/21
PreACT Secure exam	Progress towards standards	3/15 – 4/20	Grade 9 & 10 only day: April 13, 2027 Asynchronous day for grades 11, 12 No test date: 4/14, 4/21-23
Climate Survey	District survey	Fall: 10/5 – 10/30 Spring: 3/1 – 3/19	No test date: 3/9

Test

Purpose

Window

Notes

Achieve 3000
Levelset

Reading screener

Fall: 9/14 –
Winter: 1/11 – 2/12
Spring: 5/3 – 5/28

Offered in Spanish for Students in DLI

No test date: 9/21

PreACT Secure exam

Progress towards standards

3/15 – 4/20

Grade 9 & 10 only day: April 13, 2027

Asynchronous day for grades 11, 12

No test date: 4/14, 4/21-23

Climate Survey

District survey

Fall: 10/5 – 10/30
Spring: 3/1 – 3/19

No test date: 3/9

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 – 1/28	Only for English Learner (EL) students
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs	Progress on standards	12/1 – 1/28	Alternate test for some EL students with IEPs
Advanced Placement (AP)	Potential for earning college credit	5/2 – 5/14	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	3/15 – 4/20	For some students with IEPs No test: 4/14, 4/21-23

Grade 10

Assessments for All Grade 10 Students 2026-27

Electronic version here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
PreACT exam	Progress towards standards	3/15 – 4/20	Grade 9 & 10 only day: April 15, 2026 Asynchronous day for grades 11, 12 No test date: 4/14, 4/21-23
Climate Survey	District survey	Fall: 10/6 – 10/31 Spring: 4/13 – 5/8	No test date: 3/9

Test

Purpose

Window

Notes

PreACT exam

Progress towards standards

3/15 – 4/20

Grade 9 & 10 only day: April 15, 2026

Asynchronous day for grades 11, 12

No test date: 4/14, 4/21-23

Climate Survey

District survey

Fall: 10/6 – 10/31
Spring: 4/13 – 5/8

No test date: 3/9

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 – 1/28	Only for English Learner (EL) students
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs	Progress on standards	12/1 – 1/28	Alternate test for some EL students with IEPs
Advanced Placement (AP)	Potential for earning college credit	5/2 – 5/14	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	3/1 – 4/20	For some students with IEPs No test date: 4/14, 4/21-23

Grade 11

Assessments for All Grade 11 Students 2026-27

Electronic version here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
ACT + Writing Exam	State Test Assesses College/Career Readiness	3/16	Junior only day, make ups during following week. Asynchronous for grades 9, 10 & 12
Climate Survey	District survey	Fall: 10/5 – 10/30 Spring: 3/1 – 3/19	No test date: 3/9

Test

Purpose

Window

Notes

ACT + Writing
Exam

State Test Assesses

College/Career Readiness

3/16

Junior only day, make
ups during following
week.

Asynchronous for grades 9, 10 & 12

Climate Survey

District survey

Fall: 10/5 – 10/30
Spring: 3/1 – 3/19

No test date: 3/9

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 – 1/28	Only for English Learner (EL) students
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs	Progress on standards	12/1 – 1/28	Alternate test for some EL students with IEPs
Advanced Placement (AP)	Potential for earning college credit	5/2 – 5/14	At the Alliant Energy Center
WIDA Screener	Language proficiency screener	Ongoing, upon enrollment	Only given once to a potential EL student.
PSAT/NMSQT	Summative	10/7	Must register
AAPPL	Language proficiency test	2/1 – 3/19	For DLI and World Language level 3+; Seal of Biliteracy students
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM)	Alternate State test	3/15 – 4/20	For some students with IEPs No test date: 4/14, 4/21-23

Grade 12

Assessments for All Grade 12 Students 2026-27

Electronic version here.

Test	Purpose	Window	Notes
Climate Survey	District survey	Fall: 10/5 – 10/30 Spring: 3/1 – 3/19	No test date: 3/9

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 – 1/28	Only for English Learner (EL) students
Alternate ACCESS for ELLs	Progress on standards	12/1 – 1/28	Alternate test for some EL students with IEPs
Advanced Placement (AP)	Potential for earning college credit	5/2 – 5/14
WIDA Screener	Language proficiency screener	Ongoing, upon enrollment	Only given once to a potential EL student.
AAPPL	Language proficiency test	2/1 – 3/19	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.