What is a field test?
Field tests are critical to the production of high-quality operational assessments. Teachers administer field tests to evaluate item quality for the assessed linkage levels of Essential Elements. Items must be field-tested before being included in the operational testlet pool.
ELA and mathematics field test testlets
After a student completes the blueprint requirements in ELA and mathematics, the student may receive a field test testlet.
Science field test testlets
In spring 2026, DLM will administer field tests testlets for the updated science Essential Elements that will be used for the operational assessment beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
- Each student will be taking a total of four science field test testlets. They will be packaged in two science field test forms with each form containing two field test testlets. The forms will be available when the first operational science testlet is assigned.
- The field test testlets can be taken any time before the closing of the spring assessment window.
- Subsequent operational testlets will continue to be delivered after the previous operational testlet is completed, regardless of whether the field test forms have been completed.
In which grades and subjects will field testing occur?
- Grades 3–11 for English language arts
- Grades 3–11 for mathematics
- Grade bands in elementary, middle, and high school for science
- High school for states testing biology
At what linkage level will the field test testlets be delivered?
Field test testlets are available for most linkage levels and Essential Elements. A field test testlet will be delivered at the same linkage level, one level above, or one level below the level at which the student took their operational testlets for the Essential Element.
Where are field test testlets administered?
Like operational testlets, field-test testlets are in Kite® Student Portal, and students sign in using their credentials. Field tests are found in each subject‐specific tab. Field test results do not impact Individual Student Score Reports.
Does my student have to participate in field testing?
Participation is strongly encouraged in order to build the pool of available testlets for all students.
The Educator Portal User Guide found on each state’s webpage provides steps for accessing field test testlets and the associated Testlet Information Pages (TIPs).
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