The reading subtest assesses third through tenth grade students in using context clues to recognize and decode words and phrases, in identifying the main idea, plot and author's purpose in selected passages, in making comparisons and recognizing cause-and-effect relationships, and in reference and research skills.
Students in the third to tenth grades demonstrate their skills in number sense, geometry, measurement, algebra and data analysis. The grade level determines the degree of focus on each topic.
Students in grades four, eight and ten take the writing exam, which assesses the ability to focus on an assigned topic, to organize ideas, to provide supporting details and arguments, and to conform to grammar and syntax conventions.
The science test assesses the skills of students in grades five, eight and eleven in physical and chemical science, earth and space concepts, life and environmental studies, and scientific thinking.