Delaware Mathematic Assessments

Every year, Delaware districts and charter schools administer a statewide mathematics assessment for students in grades 3-8 and once in high school (using the SAT). These assessments, alongside other recurring tests, create a balanced assessment system aimed at supporting student growth.

Importance of Student Assessments

Student assessments, commonly known as tests, play a crucial role in education. They provide valuable information for educators, students, families, policymakers, and communities:

For students and families: The state assessment helps identify student strengths and areas for improvement based on state standards.
For communities and policymakers: Assessment results help evaluate educational priorities, allocate resources, and set goals for schools and students.

While state assessments are essential, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Other methods of tracking progress include grades, assignments, and district-wide tests.

General Overview

Delaware teachers played a significant role in developing Smarter’s mathematic assessment, part of a comprehensive system that includes:

Summative tests: For accountability purposes.
Interim tests: For ongoing support.
Formative processes: Supported by resources in the Tools for Teachers.

In Delaware, K-12 educators are also required to screen, assess, and monitor students for written expression, reading, oral expression, listening comprehension, mathematics, behavior, and social emotional skills as part of Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) procedures. DDOE oversees related regulations and legislation, and helps guide districts and charters in meeting these requirements.

Test Details

Students tested: All students in grades 3-8 and once in high school (using the SAT).
Test overview: Beyond multiple-choice questions, focusing on writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Sample tests available through Smarter Balanced consortium.
Alternate options: An alternate assessment is available for students with significant disabilities.
State/District Scores: Accessible through the Delaware Open Data Portal.
Test provider: Smarter Balanced consortium (grades 3-8), SAT (high school).
- SAT resources are available on Schoology. To access Handbooks and Training Materials, enter Access Code: NJ2F-6K9C-9N64M.

Test Dates

Districts and charters choose to administer the test between early April and one week before the end of May each year. Review the full DeSSA and State-mandated Testing Calendar and download a PDF copy.

Test Names	Grades Tested	Test Dates
DeSSA ELA and Mathematics	Grades 3-8	April 8 – May 23
DeSSA ELA and Mathematics	Paper/Pencil accommodation	April 8 – May 2

Cut Scores

Cut Scores Chart:

Grade	Achievement Level 1	Achievement Level 2	Achievement Level 3	Achievement Level 4
3	2380 and below	2381 – 2435	2436 – 2500	2501 and above
4	2410 and below	2411 – 2484	2485 – 2548	2549 and above
5	2454 and below	2455 – 2527	2528 – 2578	2579 and above
6	2472 and below	2473 – 2551	2552 – 2609	2610 and above
7	2483 and below	2484 – 2566	2567 – 2634	2635 and above
8	2503 and below	2504 – 2585	2586 – 2652	2653 and above

Download a PDF of the Mathematics Performance Standards (Mathematics Scale Score Thresholds).

Delaware SAT Performance Levels.