The Office of Student Assessment administers all state and federally mandated assessments for students in Mississippi’s public schools.
Assessments tell you about students’ progress on the path to future success, whether that’s the next grade or the next course. They measure what students know and can do based on learning goals for the grade or course.
The following is a summary of required statewide assessments for Mississippi students:
Pre-K and Early Elementary Years
Students in pre-kindergarten through grade 3 are assessed periodically to determine what help they need to develop early literacy skills. Grade 3 students take a test at the end of the year to qualify for promotion to grade 4.
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Pre-K Assessment (if school offers pre-K)
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Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
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Universal Screener - K-3
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Mississippi Dyslexia Screener – Kindergarten & Grade 1
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3rd Grade Reading Assessment (currently MAAP)
Elementary and Middle School
The Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) measures students’ knowledge, skills, and academic growth in grades 3-8. Student progress is measured with annual tests in English Language Arts and Mathematics and Science in grades 5 and 8.
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MAAP English Language Arts - Grades 3-8
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MAAP Mathematics – Grades 3-8
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Science – Grades 5 and 8
High School
High school students take four subject-area tests and the ACT in their junior year.
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Algebra I
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English II
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Biology
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U.S. History
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ACT
Alternate Assessments
Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities take the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program-Alternate (MAAP-A) in grades 3-8 and high school.
English Learners
Students identified as English learners take the LAS Links English language proficiency assessment in grades K-12. The test is given each year until students become proficient English language speakers, readers and writers.
To learn more about a specific test, click on the program name on the right-hand navigation menu. Each program page includes a list of most frequently requested resources or documents on the right-hand side of the page.

Updates for the 2020-21 School Year
Click below to find updated assessment information due to COVID 19. Return to Mississippi Schools: Guidance for the 2020-21 School Year.
- Assessment Window Extensions July 13, 2020
- Universal Screening and Kindergarten Readiness September 3, 2020
- Administering Kindergarten Readiness Remotely Teacher Guide August 14, 2020
- Administering Kindergarten Readiness Remotely Family Guide (English) August 14, 2020
- Administering Kindergarten Readiness Remotely Family Guide (Spanish) August 26, 2020
- LBPA FAQ (updated October 2020)
- LBPA Webinar (October 2020)
- 3rd Grade Reading Summative Assessment Guidance