Grades 3–8 every spring · benchmarks K–8State tests, MAP and i-Ready: what parents need to know
Federal law requires every state to test students in reading and math each year from grade 3 to grade 8, and in science at least once in elementary and middle school. Each state makes its own test and sets its own levels. On top of that, most districts give a shorter benchmark test such as MAP Growth, i-Ready or Star two or three times a year, from kindergarten.
The state test in five large states
Each state has its own test, name and levels. Open a state page for dates and details.
| State | Test | Grades and subjects | Levels |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | CAASPP (Smarter Balanced and CAST) | ELA and math in grades 3–8 and 11. Science in grades 5, 8 and once in high school. | Advanced, Proficient, Developing, Minimal |
| Texas | STAAR, replaced from 2027–28 | Reading and math in grades 3–8. Science in grades 5 and 8. Social studies in grade 8. | Masters, Meets, Approaches, Did Not Meet Grade Level |
| Florida | FAST | ELA reading in grades 3–10 and math in grades 3–8, three times a year. Writing and science tests too. | Levels 1 to 5 |
| New York | NYS Grades 3–8 tests | ELA and math in grades 3–8. Science in grades 5 and 8. | Levels 1 to 4 |
| Pennsylvania | PSSA | ELA and math in grades 3–8. Science in grades 5 and 8. | Advanced, Proficient, Basic, Below Basic |
A child who scores Proficient in one state might not in another, because each state sets its own standards.
Tests through the school year
Benchmark tests track growth through the year. The state test comes in spring.
Fall benchmark
A first MAP, i-Ready or Star test shows where your child starts the year.
Winter benchmark
A second test shows growth since the fall.
State test
Each state sets its window. Schools pick days within it.
Spring benchmark
The last benchmark of the year, often after the state test.
State test results
Score reports go to families. Some states send them in June, others in the fall.
What do the tests look like?
Reading / ELA
- Understanding literature and informational texts
- Vocabulary and the author's purpose
- Writing a response using evidence from the text
Math
- Operations and algebraic thinking
- Fractions and decimals
- Measurement, data and geometry
Science
- In grades 5 and 8 in most states
- Reading data and explaining investigations
What does a percentile mean?
Benchmark tests like MAP Growth give a scale score (a RIT score on MAP) and a percentile. The percentile compares your child with students in the same grade nationally, at the same time of year. Move the slider to see what it means.
A percentile is not a percentage correct. A 60th percentile means your child scored as well as or better than 60% of students, not that they got 60% of questions right.
i-Ready placement levels
The i-Ready Diagnostic places your child relative to their grade, in each subject.
Mid or above grade level
Your child is working at or beyond the middle of their grade.
Early on grade level
Your child is working on grade-level skills.
One grade level below
Your child is working on skills from the previous grade.
Two or more grade levels below
Your child is likely to need extra support. Ask the teacher about a plan.
More test guides
Sources
- NWEA: MAP Growth (opens in a new tab)
- Curriculum Associates: i-Ready Assessment (opens in a new tab)
- NCES: The Nation's Report Card (NAEP) (opens in a new tab)
Updated on 12 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.