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EL and Special Education Taskforce

EL and Special Education Taskforce

OELAS Conference 2019

EL and Special Education Flowchart

IEP Checklist for an EL with a Disability (EL Toolkit)

EL and Special Education FAQ

EL Outcomes for all English Learners Flowchart

Accessibility

Accessibility

Arizona Statewide Assessments Accommodations Manual

Accessibility Resources

UDL (Universal Design for Learning)

Access Through Technology

Assessment Section Committee Application

Assessment Section Committee Application

Have you applied to serve on an ADE committee in the past 2 years?
Name
Address
Street Address
Contact Information
Demographic Information
Please fill in ethnicity if not listed above.
Education Experience
Current Cert
Current Certification(s) – select all that apply by holding Control or Command with your selections
Endorsements and Specialization(s) – please specify (e.g., Mathematics or Reading Specialist, English as a Second Language (ESL), Gifted, Structured English Immersion (SEI), Special Ed, etc.)
Indicate years of classroom teaching experience
Current position: Specify Grade(s)/subject(s), or district position
Specify type of area where you teach/work. For an individual school, the rural/urban classification can be determined by its mailing address using the Census Bureau’s American FactFinder. http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml#none
Committee Preferences
Content areas preferred
Content areas preferred, qualified for Mark choices in order of preference (1st and 2nd choices are required)
Grade levels preferred
Grade levels preferred, qualified for Mark choices in order of preference (1st and 2nd choices are required)
(2 sections below: Content Areas and Grade Levels)
Please provide a short biography highlighting your educational background, qualifications, and any professional development in Arizona’s College and Career Ready Standards, Alternate Assessment, and English Language Proficiency Standards (if applicable).

Contact Us

Contact Us

Phone Numbers:
  • Assessment: 602-542-5031 (Main Line)
  • Alternate Assessment: 602-542-8239 (Main Line)
  • AZELLA - 602-542-5031 (Main Line)

Mailing Address:

      • Arizona Department of Education
      • Assessment Section
      • 1535 W. Jefferson, Bin 6
      • Phoenix, Arizona 85007
      • Tel: (602) 542-5031
      • Fax: (602) 542-5467
General Assessment Questions
Test-Specific Questions

Click here for a map to our location.

Technical and Legal Resources

Technical and Legal Resources

AASA 

ACT 

ACT Aspire 

MSAA 

Technical Reports for MSAA

Technical Reports for NCSC

Alt ELPA 

AZELLA

AZELLA Tests Aligned to the 2019 English Language Proficiency Standards

  • Content Alignment Analysis of the Arizona English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards with Arizona Content Standards for Mathematics and Science and with the Arizona English Language Learning Assessment (AZELLA) for Grades Kindergarten-12 (WCEPS WebbAlign, 2024) -Contact ADE at [email protected] 

Standard Setting Reports for AZELLA

Technical Reports for AZELLA

Research and Alignment Studies for AZELLA

AzSCI

Legal

Attorney General Letters and Opinions

USDOE Assessment Approval Letters

Waivers

Federal Waivers

The Assessments Bulletin

The Assessments Bulletin

The Assessments Bulletin is published quarterly by the Arizona Department of Education's Assessments team for test coordinators in Arizona districts and charters. Each publication contains news and updated information about Arizona assessments.

August 2026
November 2025
February 2026
May 2026

Educator Resources

Educator Resources

New Resource: A Guide to Arizona's Statewide Assessments

2025-2026 Achievement Tests Staff Security Agreement

 Educator Committees 

Arizona's test development process involves an extensive review before an item will count toward students' test scores. During the item development process, all assessment items are written in accordance with Item Specifications. A committee of Arizona educators reviews and approves the items to confirm alignment and appropriateness for inclusion on the test. Each step in the process is designed to ensure that test results are valid, reliable, and appropriate for Arizona students, families, and other members of Arizona communities. Participating educators are representatives of Arizona's geographic regions and represent culturally diverse populations. For these committees, we are inviting content area teachers, teachers of students with disabilities, teachers of English learner students, instructional coaches, and administrators to provide their perspectives on the items and standards set on Arizona's statewide assessments. If you are interested in serving on an Assessment Educator Committee, please complete the form linked below.

Educator Committee Application

AASA

Arizona's Academic Standards Assessment (AASA) is the statewide achievement test for Arizona students in Grades 3-8. All Arizona public school students in Grades 3-8 will take the grade-level AASA assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics.

English Language Arts and Math Essential Standards

AASA Test Dates

Spring 2026 Testing 

Computer-Based Testing: March 30 - April 24, 2026

  • Grades 3-8 Writing and Grade 3 Oral Reading Fluency must be completed by April 10, 2026

Paper-Based Testing: March 30 - April 8, 2026

  • Grades 3-8 Writing must be scheduled for March 30 or March 31, 2026
  • Grade 3 Oral Reading Fluency must be completed by April 10, 2026

AASA Sample Tests and Student Readiness Tool

AASA Sample Tests and Student Readiness Tool 

Directions: Select Arizona, then click on "Mic Check and Sample Tests"

Scoring Guides for Sample Tests

ELA

Math

Sample Test Examples for Paper-Based Testing

Grade 3 Oral Reading Fluency 

The Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) test section is administered to all third-grade students.

AASA Manuals 

Recommended Seating Arrangements

AASA Spring 2026 Test Coordinator's Manual

Spring 2026 PearsonAccessnext User's Guide

AASA Spring 2026 Test Administration Directions (for Computer-Based Testing)

AASA Spring 2026 Test Administration Directions (for Paper-Based Testing)

Achievement Assessments Accommodations Manual

AASA Blueprints and Cut Scores

AASA ELA Blueprints - Updated March 6, 2026

AASA Math Blueprints

AASA Cut Scores

AASA Item Specifications

ELA Item Specifications

Math Item Specifications

Performance Level Descriptors

These PLDs are aligned to the 2016 English Language Arts Standards and Mathematics Standards.

ELA

Math

AASA Writing Resources

AASA Writing Resources - Descriptions

Writing Rubrics

Writing Guides

Writing Rubric Guides

Annotated Writing Samples Guides

Writing Prompt Templates

Grade-level prompt templates can be found in the Item Specifications documents for each grade level.

AASA Additional ELA Resources

ELA

Read-Aloud Guidance for Paper-Based Testing

AASA Additional Math Resources

Math

Read-Aloud Guidance for Paper-Based Testing 

ACT Aspire

ACT Aspire is the statewide high school achievement test administered to Arizona public school students in Grade 9/Cohort 2029 in Spring 2026.

ACT Aspire Test Dates 

Spring 2026 Testing

Computer-Based Testing: March 30 - April 24, 2026

Paper-Based Testing: March 30 - April 8, 2026

Exemplars and TestNav Tutorial 

ACT Aspire Exemplars and Tutorial - login information is not required

  • To access Exemplars, scroll to the bottom of the screen and select "Exemplars." Next, select the content area, followed by the Exemplar for "Early High School Grade 9 & 10."
  • Online Exemplars are intended to provide students with experience navigating TestNav and interacting with the various test item formats. The online Exemplars are not meant to be scored, and a full answer key is not provided.

Exemplar Booklets - Each booklet describes reporting categories, standards, depth-of-knowledge levels, and correct responses.

ACT Aspire Manuals 

Test Coordinator Manual

Room Supervisor Manual - Online Testing

Room Supervisor Manual - Paper Testing

Accessibility Supports Guide

Additional Resources 

AZ State Standards Alignment Guide for ACT and ACT Aspire

Arizona Alignment Matrix

ACT Calculator Policy

  • The ACT Aspire has been removed from ACT's Calculator Policy document, but the policy will apply to Arizona's administration of ACT Aspire for Grade 9 students.

ACT Aspire Technical Readiness Guide

ACT Aspire Technical Manual

K-12 Academic Standards

 

AzSCI

AzSCI, Arizona's statewide achievement test for Science, is administered to public school students in Grade 5 (covering domains from Grades 3/4/5 standards), Grade 8 (covering domains from Grades 6/7/8 standards), and Grade 11/Cohort 2027 (covering domains from high school standards) in Spring 2026.

AzSCI Test Dates

Spring 2026 Testing

March 16 – April 10, 2026

AzSCI Sample Tests and Student Readiness Tool

AzSCI Sample Tests and Student Readiness Tool 

Directions: Select Arizona, then click on "Mic Check and Sample Tests"

Scoring Guides for Sample Tests - Revised January 2026

AzSCI Manuals

Recommended Seating Arrangements

AzSCI Spring 2026 Test Coordinator's Manual

AzSCI Spring 2026 Test Administration Directions

Spring 2026 PearsonAccessnext User's Guide

Achievement Assessments Accommodations Manual

AzSCI Blueprints and Cut Scores

AzSCI Blueprints - Updated March 6, 2026

AzSCI Cut Scores

AzSCI Item Specifications

AzSCI Performance Level Descriptors

AzSCI Exhibits

Additional Resources

ACT

ACT is the statewide high school achievement test administered to Arizona public school students in Grade 11/Cohort 2027 in Spring 2026.

ACT Test Dates 

Spring 2026 Testing

ACT Test Window 1

  • Paper (Standard): March 24, 2026
  • Paper (Accommodations): March 24-27 and March 30-April 3, 2026
  • Online (Standard & Accommodations): March 24-27 and March 30-April 3, 2026

ACT Test Window 2

  • Paper (Standard): April 7, 2026
  • Paper (Accommodations): April 7-10 and April 13-17, 2026
  • Online (Standard & Accommodations): April 7-10 and April 13-17, 2026

For Spring 2026, schools may utilize both published state ACT test windows in order to assess all Cohort 2027 students. Schools are encouraged to administer the ACT during the first test window and to use the second test window, as needed, to complete any makeup testing. Schools administering ACT on paper may also use the online test dates for makeup testing. Any schools that choose to administer the ACT during only the second test window will not have an additional ACT test window to use for makeup testing.

Achievement District Test Coordinators must select the ACT test window for each school in ACT's PearsonAccessnext platform in November 2025.

ACT Enhancements 

ACT's Test Enhancements Website

Comparison of the Legacy and Enhanced ACT Test

Enhanced ACT Practice Test

ACT Manuals 

To access the ACT Test Coordinator Manual, Test Administration Manuals, and Test Administration Forms, visit the ACT-hosted website for Arizona, Step 5: Administration.

Accessibility Supports Guide

  • For additional ACT accessibility resources, visit the ACT-hosted website for Arizona, Step 3: Accommodation

Additional Resources 

AZ State Standards Alignment Guide for ACT and ACT Aspire

Arizona Alignment Matrix 

ACT Calculator Policy

Free ACT Test Prep

MyACT Resources

ACT Technical Manual

Writing - Sample Essays

Writing - Scoring Rubric

Arizona ACT Performance Level Descriptors 

ACT Cut Scores 

Parents and Students

Parents and Students

Please be aware that the Arizona Department of Education does not issue assessment results to students or families. Please contact the school, district, or charter where the student tested for this information.

Resources

A Guide to Arizona's Statewide Assessments

Assessment Results 

High School Graduation Requirements

Arizona School Report Cards 

K-12 Academic Standards

 

Parent/Community Assessment Review Committees 

Arizona's test development process involves an extensive review before an item will count toward students' test scores. During the item development process, all assessment items are written in accordance with Item Specifications. A committee of Arizona stakeholders reviews and approves these items to confirm appropriateness for inclusion on the test. This step of the process is designed to ensure that our tests are free from bias and sensitivity concerns based on considerations including ability, age, culture, gender, geography, languages spoken, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Participating community members are representatives of Arizona's geographic regions and represent culturally diverse populations.

For the parent/community review committees, we are inviting stakeholders to provide their perspectives on the items on Arizona's statewide assessments. If you are interested in serving on a parent/community review committee, please complete the form linked below.

Parent/Community Assessment Review Committee Application 

Assessment Parent Guide and Alternate Assessment Fact Sheets

The Alternate Assessment Advisory Committee has developed resources for all parents, families, and schools.

Schools can:

  • Post or link the resources on their Assessment homepage
  • Share the documents (either electronically or printed) with their families during Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings
  • Include the documents in presentations on Curriculum Nights or when Statewide Testing kicks off in Spring

Alternate Assessment Fact Sheet for Schools

From a parent's perspective, the resources include information that is necessary and helpful in understanding Statewide Assessments. The parent documents have been translated into Spanish.

Why Statewide Testing Participation Matters to Students (Flyer)

Top 5 Strategies You Need to Know

Top 5 Strategies You Need to Know - Spanish

Alternate Assessment Fact Sheet for Parents

Alternate Assessment Fact Sheet for Parents - Spanish

Testing Accommodations

AASA Sample Tests and Student Readiness Tool

AASA Sample Tests and Student Readiness Tool

 Directions: Select Arizona, then click on Mic Check and Sample Tests.

A username and password are not needed to access the Sample Tests and Student Readiness Tool.

AASA Sample Test Scoring Guides - ELA

 

AASA Sample Test Scoring Guides - Math

 

Sample Test Examples for Paper-Based Testing

AzSCI Sample Tests and Student Readiness Tool 

AzSCI Sample Tests and Student Readiness Tool

  Directions: Select Arizona, then click on Mic Check and Sample Tests.

A username and password are not needed to access the Sample Tests and Student Readiness Tool.

AzSCI Sample Test Scoring Guides

ACT Aspire Exemplars and TestNav Tutorial 

ACT Aspire Exemplars and TestNav Tutorial
 
  • To access Exemplars, scroll to the bottom of the screen and select "Exemplars." Next, select the content area, followed by the Exemplar for "Early High School Grade 9 & 10."
  • A username and password are not needed to access the Exemplars and Tutorial.
  • Online exemplars are intended to provide students with experience navigating TestNav and interacting with the various test item formats. The online Exemplars are not meant to be scored, and a full answer key is not provided.

Exemplar Booklets - Each booklet describes reporting categories, standards, depth-of-knowledge levels, and correct responses.

ACT Practice Tests
ACT Practice Tests for Students Using Accommodations
Timed and untimed Practice Tests are available for each subject:
English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing.
A username and password are not needed to access the Practice Tests.
 

 

AZELLA Practice Tests Coming Soon

Family Report Guides and Sample Reports 

AASA Family Report Guide (English & Spanish)

AzSCI Family Report Guide (English & Spanish)

Understanding Your ACT Aspire Results - English

Understanding Your ACT Aspire Results - Spanish

ACT Sample Student Score Report

Using Your ACT Results

 

2026 MSAA Parent Guides

2026 MSAA Spanish Parent Guides

NAEP Information for Parents

MSAA (Multi-State Alternate Assessment)

MSAA (Multi-State Alternate Assessment)

The Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA) is a comprehensive assessment system designed to promote increasing higher academic outcomes for students with significant cognitive disabilities in preparation for a broader array of post-secondary outcomes. The MSAA is designed to assess students with significant cognitive disability and measures academic content that is aligned to and derived from Arizona’s content standards. This test contains many built-in supports that allow students to take the test using materials they are most familiar with and communicate what they know and can do as independently as possible. The MSAA will be administered in ELA and Mathematics in Grades 3-8 and 11, and Science in Grades 5, 8, and 11.

In 2010, an assessment was developed through the research and development done by the National Center and State Collaborative (NCSC) and will be carried forward by the MSAA State Partners. MSAA is currently administered by American Samoa, Arizona, the District of Columbia, Maine, Vermont, Guam, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, South Dakota, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).

For more information, please visit the MSAA States website.

 

 Testing Dates and Information

MSAA Spring 2027 Testing Window TBD

  • MSAA ELA & Mathematics - Grades 3-8 and 11
  • MSAA Science - Grades 5, 8, and 11

 Eligibility and State Specific Guidance 

 Resources 

The following documents were developed within the NCSC project and offer Arizona Educators ideas, support, and resources to provide instruction based on the Standards to students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Performance Level Descriptors - MSAA (ELA, Mathematics, AND Science)

WRITING Scoring Rubrics

NCSC Instructional Resources & Supports (Binders)

ELA
Mathematics

Teacher binder for Mathematics – Click on the Math link NCSC Instructional Resources for Mathematics, and copy the following pages: 19-43 (Instructional Resources Guide); 98-111 (Graduated Understandings/Instructional Families); and 116-147 (Element Cards)

For both ELA and Mathematics, print the Graduated Understandings/Instructional Families and Element Cards in color since color bands are used.

Reporting 

MSAA Reports

The MSAA Score Reports from the Spring administration for Science, Math, and ELA will be available for Alternate Assessment District Test Coordinators (TCs) July - September. An email notification is sent by the Alternate Assessment Unit for specific dates when reports are available. Reports will be accessed through the MSAA Reporting Portal Tab in the MSAA System. Reports are only available in the platform when the reporting window is open. For accessing reports outside this window, use the Accountability application for individual student results. 

The ADE Alternate Assessment Unit will ship two hard copies of each student report to the District of Attendance (DOA) the week after the reporting portal opens. One copy is sent home to parents/guardians and the other is placed in the student’s secure file. The MSAA Parent Guides accompany the student reports and should be sent home with the student. Teachers may download additional MSAA Parent Guides from the ADE Assessment website on the tab labeled MSAA Parents Resources.

  1. Reports are accessed through the MSAA Reporting Portal Tab in the MSAA System.
  2. Returning DTCs will log in with the same credentials used during administration. Use the reset password option if needed. New TCs will have an account generated the first week of the reporting portal. Use the link in the auto-generated e-mail to log in.
  3. Go to the “Reports” tab on the top menu bar.
  4. Download your reports and save per district policy.

The following reports will be available to download through the MSAA Reporting Portal:

Reports for the District—District Summary Reports, District Roster Reports, and Student Results File CSV.

Reports for the School—School Summary Reports, School Roster Reports, Individual Student Reports, and Student Results File CSV.

The 2026 MSAA Guide for Score Report Interpretation provides guidance on reading and using the reports. The MSAA User Guide for Test Coordinators will be available on the MSAA platform when reports become available. This guide includes detailed instructions for downloading your reports. Look for the link on the bottom left corner of the MSAA system home page.

Observations 

Observation Forms

MSAA Training for District Test Coordinators (DTC) and Test Administrators (TA)

 Presentations 

 Contact Information 

Please contact us by emailing the Alternate Assessment inbox A[email protected] or at (602) 542-8239.

EL and Special Education Taskforce

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