Standardized Test Prep in Kentucky
Beginning in third grade, public school students are required to take part in a number of Kentucky standardized tests. Kentucky state testing is designed to assess students on several subjects including math, reading, science, and social studies, just to name a few.
This page includes helpful information on Kentucky standardized testing, including the tests available, when they are administered, and how Time4Learning can be used for test prep to help your child succeed.
What State Tests Are Available in Kentucky?
Since 1990, a number of Kentucky state tests have been administered to public school students each year. They are part of the state’s accountability system and are designed to ensure that students have the knowledge and skills to be successful once they graduate high school, whether they choose to pursue a college degree or go right into the workforce.
Below is a list of the standardized tests currently offered in Kentucky.
- K-PREP (Kentucky Performance Rating for Educational Progress) – This state-required assessment for public school students is administered to grades 3-8, 10 and 11. Students are tested in reading, math, science, social studies, and writing.
- Alternate K-PREP – Designed for students with disabilities in grades 3-8, 10 and 11. This assessment is made up of two components: Attainment Tasks (AT), in which students are asked to complete tasks, step by step, with a teacher’s direction; and Transition Attainment Record (TAR), a checklist which evaluates a student’s skills in reading, math and science. Students are also assessed in social studies and writing.
- End-of-course – Created for students in grades 9-11 who are in the Early Graduation Pathway, this assessment tests students’ proficiency in Algebra II, biology, English II, and U.S. history.
- ACCESS for ELLs – This is a mandatory standards-based exam that tests language proficiency for English Learners (EL) in grades K-12.
Although all of these tests are mandatory, many families have inquired about having their students opt out of Kentucky standardized testing. While there is no approved or recognized process for this, parents can discuss their options with their child’s school and/or district.
When is Standardized Testing in Kentucky?
Kentucky standardized tests are administered at different times throughout the school year. Although actual dates vary from year to year, tests are generally administered during the same months each year.
Below is a general idea of when Kentucky standardized testing takes place.
- K-PREP – Administered during the last 14 instructional days of the school year
- Alternate K-PREP – November-December; April-May
- End-of-course – Administered upon completion of Algebra II, Biology, English 10 and U.S. History;
- December, February-March, April-May
- ACCESS for ELLs – January-February
Do Homeschoolers Have To Take Standardized Tests in Kentucky?
Standardized testing is not a requirement for homeschoolers in Kentucky. Also, homeschooled students do not have the option of taking the standardized tests administered to public school students.
How Time4Learning Can Help With Kentucky Test Prep
If your child is in public school and getting ready for Kentucky standardized testing, Time4Learning offers an award-winning curriculum that can help them prepare for these tests and succeed.
Our PreK-12th grade curriculum teaches math, language arts, science, social studies, and more. Students can log in and learn on their time and at their pace. With 24/7 access, your child can study for Kentucky standardized tests after school, in the evenings, or even on weekends.
Below are just some of the ways that Time4Learning can help your child prepare for Kentucky state school testing.
- Comprehensive curriculum includes language arts, math, science, social studies and more, making it ideal for students in grades 3-8, 10, and 11 who are getting ready to take the K-PREP.
- Time4Learning is ideal for students with special needs who need to practice for the Alternate K-PREP since our curriculum is student-paced as well as an IBCCES Certified Autism Resource.
- High school students can study for their end-of-course exams in Algebra II, biology, English II, and U.S. history — all courses offered within our high school curriculum.
- Elementary students can nail down their math facts in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with Time4MathFacts, included with the Time4Learning membership.
- State assessment simulations are available for students in 3rd-8th grades to give them an idea of what it’s like to take a normed test.
- Our flexible curriculum helps all types of learners gain confidence by allowing them to progress at their own pace so they can thoroughly understand concepts and prepare for Kentucky standardized testing.
- Students can prepare for the science portion of the K-PREP with our interactive STEM curriculum for K-5 that’s included with your Time4Learning membership.
Through preparation and practice, your child can achieve successful results when taking standardized tests in Kentucky. 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!”