Testing

State Testing
The administration of the Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP) takes place from April 1 to May 3, 2019, for students in grades 3-8 and 11. Depending on their grade level, students will take as few as two and as many as three OSTP exams over the course of the testing window. The OSTP tests are required of all students who are enrolled in an Oklahoma public school. The Oklahoma State Department of Education penalizes school districts that do not test 95 percent or more of their students on each and every administered OSTP test. You can see the state testing schedule here. 

If you have any questions concerning OSTP testing, please contact the principal of your child’s school.

Other Testing Information
 

Supporting Your Children During State Testing
Many parents wonder how they can support their children before and during state testing time. You can find tips and advice here and here.

Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP)
These state-mandated tests assess students' mastery of the Oklahoma Academic Standards (OAS), Oklahoma’s legislatively mandated curriculum. The tests assess all students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 11. The tests measure student performance relative to the specific content and skills of OAS. For further information, please check http://sde.ok.gov/sde/oklahoma-academic-standards

Reading Sufficiency Tests
The Reading Sufficiency Act requires districts to assess students in grades K-3 in order to identify those who will need additional instruction to reach grade level expectations. Results of this testing are shared with parents and guardians.

Pre-ACT 
 
A program funded by Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education for all 10th graders, the Pre-ACT provides students with information needed to prepare for future academic and career success. It also provides an estimated range of the ACT Assessment composite scores. The results of the Pre-ACT assessment provide schools with information for program evaluation, accreditation, guidance and student career planning.  A link for more information about the Pre-ACT can be found here.

Colleges require an entrance exam score (ACT or SAT) for admission.  Most colleges and universities in the midwest lean towards an ACT score but either is usually accepted.  Always look into the admission requirements for any university you are interested in attending. Click here to learn about the key differences between the ACT and SAT.

ACT

The ACT will be administered to all 11^th graders as part of the OSTP testing program to assess reading and math skills.  The test will be offered at Shawnee High School at no charge during the spring semester of 2019. 

At other testing periods, for ACT information and/or to register online, visit www.actstudent.org. The ACT cost $42.50 for the basic test (without the Writing portion).  Two (2) total fee waivers may be granted to 11th and 12th grade students on free/reduced lunch program.

The ACT will be offered on the following dates during the 2018-2019 school year: 
 

 
Our school's ACT testing code is 373-278.  You will need it to register.  

To help prepare for the ACT, consider one of the following options:
*Chad Cargill conducts ACT prep workshops across the state.  Call 405.454.3233 or click here for more details.  He usually has one at Gordon Cooper Technology Center in November or December.  There is a $30 fee to enroll.  If you attend his workshop, it will not count against your absences at school. 
*OU also conducts a one-day ACT prep course the Saturday prior to each national test date. The cost is $100. Click here for more information.

SAT

For SAT information and/or to register online, visit www.collegeboard.com. The SAT costs $46 for the standard option or $60 (includes an Essay section).

The SAT will be offered on the following dates during the 2017-2018 school year:

Our school's SAT testing  code is: 373278. You will need it to register.  
 

PSAT

The PSAT will be administered on Wednesday, October 10.  The PSAT is a preliminary SAT test as well as the test that qualifies juniors to become National Merit Scholars their senior year of high school.  It costs $1 (payable to Shawnee High School).  You can sign up with Mrs. Floyd in the Testing Office (formerly the 9th grade office).

ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is the qualifying test used to enter the armed forces. Students can sign up to take the test at Gordon Cooper during the fall and it will not count against their attendance.  

Home School/Non-accredited Placement
Placement tests may be administered to students who wish to enroll in Shawnee Public Schools and have been home schooled or have attended non-accredited schools. These tests may be used to determine credit-by-exam and placement in grade level and/or courses. 




ELL ACCESS
Students who are English Language Learners are required to demonstrate proficiency and progress in English. The ACCESS test is required by the federal Every Student Succeed Act legislation and is administered in the spring. 




Qualifying Tests for Gifted/Talented Program
A cognitive abilities test is administered annually to all 2nd grade students and others by referral. A total score on this test at or above the 97th percentile automatically qualifies a student for the gifted/talented program. 
Students may also qualify for the gifted program by satisfactorily meeting various multi-criteria on our alternative scoring rubric.