Forward Exam Information

 Dear Randall Families,

Each year, Wisconsin students in grades 3-8, and 10, participate in the state’s Forward Exam. Schools across the state must select dates between March 18 through April 26, 2024, to give the test. Our school is scheduled to take the Forward Exam soon. 4th grade will start with a small section of the exam during the week of March 18, while 3rd and 5th grades will start the week of April 1.

The Forward Exam measures knowledge and skills students should have for their grade level. The Exam tests students in the areas of English language arts (ELA); mathematics in grades 3-8; science in grades 4 and 8; and social studies in grades 4, 8, and 10. One or more subtests may be administered daily during our selected time frame. The results of these tests will be used to help school staff make determinations regarding curriculum, placement, and services to best support students.

Student performance on the assessment will not affect their grades. Please encourage your child to take the test seriously, do the best they can, get a good night’s rest prior to the exam, and eat breakfast. Students not in school on testing days will be scheduled for a make-up test prior to the close of the testing window. 

State assessments, including the Forward Exam, are required by both State (Wis. Stat. § 118.30) and Federal (ESSA-Every Student Succeeds Act) Law. Additionally, the Forward Exam is given in-person, with no virtual/remote options available. 

The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has created a Forward Exam Information for Families brochure, which gives more information about the assessment. (Spanish version of brochure; Hmong version of brochure). Additionally, if you have any questions regarding the state assessment system or specific assessments, please contact Tim Peterson, MMSD Director of Assessment, at tpeterson2@madison.k12.wi.us.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. 

John Wallace

Principal