Every year, Delaware districts and charter schools administer a statewide social studies assessment for students. Beginning in 2025, Delaware students will complete state social studies testing in grades 4 through 8 and once in grade 11. These assessments, alongside other recurring tests, create a balanced assessment system aimed at supporting student growth.

Learn more about Delaware’s social studies assessment transition.

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 4 through 8 and once in grade 11.
  • Test overview: Beyond multiple-choice questions, focusing on writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
  • Alternate options: An alternate assessment is available for students with significant disabilities.
  • State/District Scores: Accessible through the Delaware Open Data Portal
  • Test delivery: Cambium Assessments

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 Social Studies Grades 4, 6, 8: Admin 1 November 6 – December 6
DeSSA Social Studies Grades 4, 6, 8: Admin 2 February 12 – March 1
DeSSA Social Studies Grades 4, 6, 8: Admin 3 May 6 – May 23
DeSSA Social Studies Grades 5, 7 Admin 1 January 8 – January 31
DeSSA Social Studies Grades 5, 7 Admin 2 May 6 – May 30
DeSSA Social Studies Grades 4, 6, 8 P/P Available during all three windows
DeSSA Social Studies Grade 11 April 8 – May 23
DeSSA Social Studies Paper/Pencil accommodation April 8 – May 2

Cut Scores Chart:

Achievement Level Grade 8 Score Range Grade 11 Score Range
Level 1 300-574 300-574
Level 2 575-599 575-599
Level 3 600-623 600-642
Level 4 624-900 643-900