Students in kindergarten usually take two different tests, depending on the state they live in, according to Reuters. Before students begin kindergarten they must take a kindergarten readiness test, which measures knowledge of letters and letter sounds, colors, shapes and a little handwriting. When students are in class, they are usually assessed throughout the year on their progress toward early reading and writing skills. According to Reuters, 25 states now have some sort of test for kindergartners. First and second graders also have to take tests. Some states, like North Carolina and Georgia, have state-mandated tests for lower elementary. Other states use national tests, such as the CoGAT or the Dimbels, which are used to assess early literacy and mathematics skills.
In upper elementary school -- third through either fifth or sixth grade -- students are tested yearly on their reading, language arts and mathematics skills. In some states, like Kansas, students also are tested on social studies and science, depending on grade level. States like Florida, Georgia, New York and North Carolina have separate writing tests for students beginning in third grade. These tests measure a student's ability to come up with an idea for writing, write and edit a rough draft. In addition, many states take the National Assessment for Educational Progress. The NAEP assesses students in math, reading, science, writing, the arts, civics, economics, geography and U.S. history -- not all of these tests are given to the same students each year, and in many states the NAEP is not given yearly.
Middle school students must take a yearly state standardized test to show progress in the grade. In some states, like North Carolina, these are called end of grade tests or end of course tests. In Texas and Georgia, students are assessed each year in reading, language arts and math. Texas also tests science and social studies knowledge. All three states have a writing test component. In addition, some states test for computer knowledge and skills. The NAEP is also given to middle school students in some states, usually in the eighth grade.
In high school, the test emphasis changes. Rather than test in the spring of the year on generic subject tests, high school students in many states take end of course tests. North Carolina assesses students in writing also in the 10th grade. Nationwide, nearly all high school students take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test in 11th grade. This is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship program. In addition, most high school students take the Armed Forces Scholastic Aptitude Battery as a career options test in 10th or 11th grade. Finally, many states, like Georgia, have a graduation exam, given beginning in 10th grade, that all students must pass in order to graduate.