District-mandated diagnostic testing of all eighth graders will begin shortly after the beginning of the 2006-2007 academic year. 

Testing using the Iowa Test of Basic Skills will be held during the week of September 11 (specific times to be determined and will be announced in advance).  Tests include reading comprehension, vocabulary, and mathematical concepts.  Scores are often available before Thanksgiving recess.

ISAT testing will be administered during the week of March 12, 2007.  Eighth graders will take a battery of tests in reading, writing, and mathematics.  Tests are generally administered over three days.  No more that two tests will be scheduled on any day.  Results will not be available until the Fall of 2007. 

The Scantron Performance Series computerized assessments are scheduled for early April, 2007.  These tests in math and reading are designed to adjust based on the answers given by the students.  The intention is that the tests determine clearly what a student knows and what s/he does not know.  These tests yield comparable data to the ISATs and scores are posted immediately after completion of the tests.