Statewide Testing in Oregon

Oregon’s statewide testing program in reading and mathematics for grade 3 and reading, writing and mathematics for grades 5, 8 and 10 started in the spring of 1991. Mathematics problem solving tests began in 1997 for grades 5, 8 and 10. In 2001, science was added to the list of subjects tested for grades 8 and 10, and the following year it was expanded to include grade 5. Beginning in 2005, writing will be assessed at grades 4 and 7 instead of grades 3, 5 and 8.

Statewide tests are “criterion-referenced,” meaning student performance is evaluated against predetermined standards leading to the Certificate of Initial Mastery (CIM) awarded during the high school years. At grades 3, 5 and 8, the tests measure student progress toward grade level expectations. At grade 10, the tests measure progress toward the Certificate of Initial Mastery. To earn the CIM, students must meet requirements on statewide assessments and on classroom work samples.

The following table shows the total scores required to meet state standards at each grade level and the total number of points possible on each test.

For more information about state tests and efforts to align state testing requirements and reporting with federal NCLB Act mandates, contact the Assessment Scoring and Reporting Coordinator at the Oregon Department of Education at (503) 378-3600 or see Assessment/Testing or Test Results on the ODE Web site.

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Classroom Work Samples

In addition to state tests, student progress at grades 3, 5 and 8 and progress toward the Certificate of Initial Mastery are measured through classroom work samples. Work samples are classroom assignments such as papers, projects or presentations. Teachers score these assignments using a state scoring guide. Students in grades 3, 5 and 8 are expected to produce one work sample meeting scoring guide standards in each of the following four subject areas: writing, speaking, mathematics and science. For the Certificate of Initial Mastery, students are expected to produce the following number of work samples meeting scoring guide standards: writing, 3; speaking, 3; mathematics, 2; science 1.

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