Assessment and Research

What Subjects Are Tested?

Each spring, Kansas students participate in state assessments across multiple subjects:

• Reading & Math: Grades 3–8 and 10
• Science: Grades 5, 8, and 11
• Social Studies (History, Government, and Civics): Grades 4, 7, and 11

All assessments are administered online and take place over a 3–4week period. For specific testing dates, or questions please contact your school. 

How Are Students Scored?

• Student performance on state assessments is measured using four performance levels.
• The Kansas State Assessment format will remain consistent through 2025.
• Prior to the official state assessments, students take predictive interim assessments in their classrooms to help teachers identify areas that may need additional review. Check with your child's teacher for more information.

You can view statewide performance data at the Kansas Report Card and or explore District Data on the Kansas State Department of Education Website.

‼️Parent Opt-Out Information

While the Kansas State Department of Education expects all eligible students to participate including DLM (for students with significant cognitive disabilities) and KELPA (for English learners)— parents have the right to opt their child out of testing.

To opt out:

• Contact your child’s school principal via email, phone, or in person.
• The school will notify the Assessment and Research department of your decision.

Why Screening Matters

Universal screening is a way schools check in on how students are doing in reading, math, and social-emotional skills. It helps teachers quickly spot students who might need extra help—either academically or emotionally.

What Screeners Are Used?

• FastBridge: Looks at basic reading and math skills. To learn more, visit this link.
• SAEBRS: Checks how students are doing socially, emotionally, and academically. To learn more, visit this link.

When Does Screening Happen?

• Academic screening happens three times a year (fall, winter, spring)
• SAEBRS self-ratings are done by students in August and February

Why Is This Important?

The results help teachers:

• Understand where your child might need support
• Make sure your child is growing in both academics and emotional well-being

If you have questions about your child’s screening results, please talk to their teacher or principal.

What Are Diagnostics?

After the universal screening that happens in fall winter spring , some students may take additional tests called diagnostics. These are used when teachers need more detailed information about a child’s specific learning needs—especially in reading.

The district uses:

• Quick Phonics Screener (QPS) – checks how well students understand letter sounds and patterns
• Phonological Awareness Skills Test (PAST) – looks at how students hear and work with sounds in words

Teachers choose the right test based on what kind of reading help a student might need. If you have questions about your child’s results, please talk to their teacher or principal.

About College and Career Exploration?

College and career planning is something students build over time—from middle school through high school. Our district uses a program called Xello to help students in grades 6–12 explore careers, set goals, and make decisions about their future education and job paths.

If you’d like to learn more, contact your school’s Counselor or College and Career Coordinator. 

After High School Planning Assessments

To support students in planning for college or careers, the Kansas State Department of Education provides free tests to high school students:

• Pre-ACT (Grade 9): A practice test that helps students get ready for the ACT
• ACT (Grade 11): A college entrance exam used by many colleges for admissions and scholarships
• WorkKeys (Grade 12): A test that measures real-world job skills and helps students show they’re ready for the workplace.

• PSAT:  A test that helps students see how ready they are for college-level work. It also gives students a chance to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship. Given to registered 10th and 11th graders in mid-October. 

For more information on preparing for post-secondary options, visit College Board.

To see post-secondary technical education partnership opportunities offered in Kansas visit the Kansas Department of Education (KSDE).

Wichita Public Schools is committed to creating a school environment where every student feels safe, respected, and included. To learn more please visit our Safety and Belonging Survey Page. 

To help support students’ social, emotional, and academic well-being, Wichita Public Schools uses two tools:

• SAEBRS: Completed by teachers for students in grades K–12 in October and February. It helps identify students who may need extra support.
• mySAEBRS: A short survey completed by students in grades 3–12 in August. Students rate how they feel about school, friendships, and learning.

These screeners help teachers understand how students are doing and plan the right support—whether for individual students or the whole class. 

To learn more, please visit our SAEBRS information page.

If you have questions about student assessments, reach out to your child’s school or contact the Assessment and Research department.

For questions about research requests, the District Research Council reviews proposals to ensure student data is used safely and responsibly. To view approved research or learn about the guidelines, contact Assessment and Research department.