Question: If I’m in the choice program, do I have to test my students with the Forward Exam?
Answer: It depends on how many choice students are enrolled in your school.
Schools enrolling 20 or more students in grades 3-12 in the Milwaukee, Racine or statewide choice programs are required to administer the state’s annual testing program to those choice students. If your school has less than 20 choice students in those grades, the requirement is waived.
Students in grades 3-8 are required to take the Wisconsin Forward Exam, which assesses various subjects. High-schoolers are required to take the college-readiness exams, the PreACT and ACT. Go here for which grades are required to take which test.
Though only students in the choice programs are required to take the test, many choice schools choose to test the entire class or school.
The DPI pays for the tests for choice students, but schools have to purchase them for non-choice students. WCRIS worked with DPI to lower the test price from $50 to $35. Tests are available through CESA 6 and must be ordered before April 5 for this year’s March 18 – April 26 testing window.
Non-choice private schools may purchase tests to assess their students, but it’s not required.
Contact the DPI (email address at the bottom of the page) with questions about the administration of the Forward Exam, PreACT or ACT.
