Standardized Test Prep in Arkansas
Arkansas standardized testing is mandated by law, meaning that every public school student in Arkansas must participate in statewide educational assessments. While it may not be something that your child looks forward to, the Arkansas state test can give you important insights into your child’s academic progress.
On this page, you will get an overview of the tests your child may encounter this year, when the testing periods occur, and learn how Time4Learning’s online PreK-12 program can help you prepare your child for standardized tests in Arkansas.
What State Tests Are Available in Arkansas?
Arkansas students in grades K-12 will experience a variety of standardized tests. The tests required depend on a student’s grade level, cognitive abilities, and command of the English language. The primary Arkansas state test options are:
- K-2 Assessments – Public school students in grades K-2 are required by Arkansas law to participate in an assessment of their literary and mathematics skills. Individual school districts can choose from one of three different assessment options. The assessments are designed to be administered at least three different times during the school year.
- ACT Aspire – This annual summative assessment is administered to students in grades 3-10. The ACT Aspire assesses a student’s command of math, reading, writing, and science. Total testing time is usually 4 ½ -5 hours. The test is linked to both Common Core standards and to ACT College Readiness Benchmarks.
- ELPA21 – Arkansas is one of several states that participate in the English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century (ELPA21). It measures student English proficiency in four language domains: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
- DLM Alternate Assessments – Students with significant cognitive impairment are eligible for an alternate assessment called the Dynamic Learning Maps. The DLM system assesses math, English language arts, and science for eligible students in grades 3-10.
When is Standardized Testing in Arkansas?
The dates for standardized testing in Arkansas vary. Below are the general times the assessments are usually offered:
- K-2 Assessments occur at different intervals throughout the year.
- ELPA21 assessments occur in the Winter between late January and early March.
- ACT Aspire is administered to students in the Spring between early April and early May.
- DLM Alternate Assessments, the dates vary by individual school.
Do Homeschoolers Have To Take Standardized Tests in Arkansas?
Time4Learning curriculum provides standards-based instruction in areas that are most often tested on nationally-normed tests, but it also provides test prep practice in specific grade levels. If standardized testing is something you would like your child to participate in, he or she will need to become familiar with test formats and terminology, to learn test-taking strategies. To become comfortable with time restrictions, and to practice answering different types of questions. Many families choose to take part in either annual or occasional benchmark testing to track their child’s academic progress from year to year. Learn more in our Arkansas test prep page.
How Time4Learning Can Help With Arkansas Test Prep
Time4Learning’s curriculum not only provides standards-based instruction in areas that are most often tested on nationally-normed tests, but it also provides test prep practice to help your child succeed.
Below are some of the reasons that families in Arkansas rely on Time4Learning to help prepare their children and teens for annual assessments.
- Time4Learning’s elementary curriculum is standards-based and designed to help students achieve reading skills and a solid math foundation that can bolster their success on Arkansas’ K-2 Assessments.
- A monthly subscription to Time4Learning includes access to all of the lessons, activities, games, and videos for an entire grade level of courses. Students preparing for the ACT Aspire can focus in on exactly the topics and concepts they need extra help with.
- High school students registered with Time4Learning can access up to four courses of their choice, from English to Earth Science to Geometry…plus many more. Preparing for standardized testing can be as convenient as logging into our high school curriculum from anywhere.
- Many families use Time4Learning as an ESL supplement to help them refine and practice the skills addressed in the ELPA21.
- Students can redo lessons and retake tests and quizzes until they feel they have successfully mastered a skill. This will boost their confidence when taking Arkansas’s standardized tests.
Through preparation and practice, your child can achieve successful results when taking standardized tests in Arkansas. In addition, skill-building programs like Time4Learning can prepare your child and build their academic confidence while reducing test anxiety.
My kids continue to excel with this program
By Jennifer
“Each year, they pass their independent standardized test with flying colors!”
