Recent action by the Ohio Department of Education has expanded the window in which school districts can administer Ohio Achievement Assessments (OAA) to students in grades 3-8. After collaborating with other employees at the district and building levels, Westerville City School District officials have decided to take advantage of this opportunity and delay the administration of OAA exams for its elementary and middle school students.
Middle school testing dates will be held as follows:
- Reading, grades 6-8, Monday, April 28
- Mathematics, grades 6-8, Wednesday, April 30; and
- Science, grade 8 only, Thursday, May 1.
Elementary tests will be given as follows:
- Reading, grades 3-5, Thursday, May 1;
- Mathematics, grades 3-5, Tuesday, May 6; and
- Science, grade 5 only, Thursday, May 8
All make up tests are to be completed by May 16.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Richard A. Ross said the unusually harsh winter was a key factor in granting school districts the extension, and that school leaders around the state have faced unprecedented challenges while making the safety of students their top priority.
“(School Officials) have expressed concern about missed instructional time and the need to prepare students for the assessments,” Ross said. “We feel it is important to provide educational leaders with flexibility regarding the assessments. Therefore, we are extending by one week the spring testing window for Ohio schools. This is a reasonable step we can take that will benefit students and teachers.”
OAA testing within Westerville City Schools originally was to take place during the week of April 21.