Students all over South Dakota take the Dakota Step Test every spring.  NCLB requires each state to adopt challenging academic content standards and
performance levels for all public school students and to implement a set of high-quality, yearly student academic assessments that measure these standards. Moreover, to
provide meaningful information about a student’s performance, the assessments must report the student’s results using at least three performance levels—basic, proficient,
and advanced. 

The DSTEP is administered to students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 for Reading and Mathematics and at Grades 5, 8, and 11 for Science each spring between late
March and mid-April. South Dakota teachers, parents, administrators, and the public are informed of each school’s performance in specific areas through the NCLB Report
Card, which reports the results of the DSTEP.

There are many misunderstandings surrounding the use of test scores. Test scores, if properly used, can help teachers guide the instruction of your children, help them learn more efficiently and help you to understand your children's progress. Keep in mind that a score represents a performance on a particular sample of questions at a particular time. The score might have been different if it had been given at a different time of day or if the child was not feeling well during testing.

You need to understand the purpose of the tests in order to explain them to your child in a way that encourages a realistic attitude toward tests and testing. Let your child know that tests are not to be feared but that they should be treated seriously. Be careful not to overemphasize test results; don't give your child the impression that you're judging his or her worth on the basis of a test score.

Parents can be of great help to their children by developing a positive attitude toward tests. Let your child's teachers know that you're interested in his or her progress, that you want to be kept informed and are willing to do what is necessary at home to encourage learning.

Another way to help your children with testing is to encourage them to develop good work habits. Work habits that are particularly useful in testing situations include: paying careful attention to directions, keeping track of time, using time efficiently, avoiding careless errors, if time allows, reviewing one's answers, eating right, and getting enough exercise and sleep.

It is also important to discuss the test results with the child's teacher. Ask if the results are consistent with your son or daughter's classroom performance. Let the teacher know if the results are not consistent with what you know about your child's abilities or if there were circumstances (such as illness) that may have influenced the performance on the test.

Finally, remember that some of the important qualities that influence future performance -- such as motivation, persistence and creativity -- cannot be directly measured by any paper and pencil test.