Arkansas Department of Education
DESE ATLAS Summative Testing Information
Arkansas will be using the new Arkansas Teaching and Learning Assessment System (ATLAS) this spring. The new assessment is completely aligned to Arkansas standards. Educators from across the state have been involved throughout the entire development process. These assessments help districts and schools develop programs to best meet the needs of their students. Students will receive Individual Student Reports in the fall of 2024.
The Arkansas Educational Support and Accountability System (AESAS) Act 930 § 2 of 2017 is the law that requires the state of Arkansas to test public school students.
What ATLAS tests will my child take?
Writing – Grades 3-10
Reading/English – Grades 3-10
Math – Grades 3-8
- Algebra I (EOC)
- Geometry (EOC)
Science – Grades 3-8
- Biology I (EOC)
TESTING SCHEDULE
Writing
March 5 | BHS, BJHS
March 6 | BeMS, BMS
March 7 | Elementary Schools
Reading, Math and Science
April 23-25 | BHS
April 30, May 1-2 | Elementary schools
May 6-8 | BeMS, BMS
May 7-9 | BJHS
The ATLAS assessments are untimed tests; however, students must finish the same day the test is started.
Research shows that the earlier we measure progress toward meeting educational standards, the more we can strengthen a student’s chances to stay on target enabling him/her to succeed and be college and/or career ready upon graduating high school. These assessments ensure that all students in Arkansas public schools have an equal opportunity to demonstrate grade-level and subject area academic proficiency through the application of knowledge and skills in the core academic subjects consistent with state academic standards, and performance standards.
How Parents Can Help
When a test is being given, you can help by making sure your student:
- Gets plenty of sleep the night before the test
- Has breakfast on the morning of the test
- Goes to school on time on the day of a test
- Does not have any out-of-school appointments on the day of a test
- Knows you think he/she will do well on the tests
- Knows you understand the test is important
To help your student learn at home:
- Encourage your student to read and read to your student.
- Be interested in your student’s daily school work.
- Talk with and listen to your student daily.
- Go to parent-teacher conferences and stay in regular contact with your student’s teacher(s).
- Get to know your student’s teacher.
- Remind your student that it is ok to ask questions in class.
- Check frequently to ensure that your student is completing all assigned work in a timely manner.