Assessment Calendars
2026-2027 Assessment Calendar
2026-2027 Assessment Information
- aimswebPlus Assessments
- ACT Testing
- AP Testing
- Pathways
- TCAP Grades 3-8
- TCAP EOC (Grades 9-12)
- English Learner Assessment (ELPA21)
aimswebPlus Assessments
What is the purpose of aimswebPlus testing?
aimswebPlus is a universal screener used to assess basic reading skills, reading fluency, reading comprehension, math calculation, math problem solving, written expression, and more. are used to identify students in K-12 RTI who need more individualized support for reading and math skills.
In what grades are aimswebPlus tests administered?
aimswebPlus is given to students in grades K-8 to determine whether students demonstrate the skills necessary to achieve grade-level standards. Additionally, aimswebPlus is given to high school students new to the district or students who are identified as performing below grade-level standards.
How are parents and families notified of the results?
Individual benchmark reports are sent home to parents after each of the benchmark assessments. Students who fall below or significantly below grade level expectations may be identified for additional academic support and intervention. If the student qualifies for intervention, parents will continue to be notified of the progress every 4.5 weeks.
When are aimswebPlus tests administered?
Aimsweb tests are given three times per year.
Fall Benchmark: August 3-September 18, 2026
Winter Benchmark: December 1, 2026-January 22, 2027
Spring Benchmark: March 16-May 11, 2027
ACT Testing
What is the purpose of ACT testing?
The ACT is used to assess students' academic readiness for college. This data is used to determine eligibility for graduation with honors, Tennessee Hope Scholarship, dual credit enrollment, and course placement.
How will parents be notified of results?
The results of ACT testing will be mailed to parents and students by ACT.
When are ACT tests administered?
ACT Fall Senior Testing
September 29-30, October 1-2, and October 5-9, 2026
ACT Spring Junior Testing
March 9-12 and March 25-29, 2027
AP Testing
What is the purpose and use of AP testing?
AP exams are standardized exams designed to measure how well you’ve mastered the content and skills of a specific AP course. AP courses have an end-of-year exam. Most colleges and universities have a written policy spelling out how they award credit and advanced placement. To get credit, you must request that the College Board send your official score report to the college of your choice.
In what grades will AP tests be administered?
GCSS currently offers online AP Access for All courses for qualifying students in 10th-12th grade.
How will parents and families be notified of the results?
Students can sign into their College Board account (sometime around July 5) to view their scores. Scores will also be sent to the school and added to the student’s transcript.
When are AP tests administered?
AP tests are administered in the spring. The dates for 2027 are TBD.
Pathways
What is the purpose of Pathways Benchmarks?
Pathways Benchmarks are tests that are given twice per year in grades 2-8 to measure student mastery of Tennessee standards in each subject. Teachers are able to use this data to provide students more prescriptive instruction.
When are Pathways Benchmarks administered?
Pathways Benchmarks are given twice per year for students in grades 3-8.
Fall: October 11-22, 2026
Spring: February 22-March 5, 2-27 (Grades 3-8) and April 19-May 6, 2027 (Grade 2)
Pathways Benchmarks are give once per year for students in grade 2.
How will parents be notified of results?
Individual Student Reports, depicting each student's mastery of grade level standards, are sent home to parents following the administration of each benchmark.
TCAP Grades 3-8
What is the purpose of TCAP Testing?
TCAP testing is given at the end of the year in grades 3-8. These state assessments measure how students have mastered learning in the classroom in Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. The information from these assessments gives educators, parents, and students a big picture perspective of how the student is progressing academically compared to their peers in Tennessee.
When are TCAP Tests Administered?
TCAP Spring Achievement for Grades 6-8 (computer-based)
April 7-May 6, 2027
How are parents and families notified of assessment results?
Parents will receive a report approximately five months after testing. More parent resources about TCAP testing can be found here.
TCAP EOC (Grades 9-12)
What is the purpose of TCAP EOC Testing?
TCAP EOC testing is given at the end of the year in grades 9-12. These state assessments measure how students have mastered learning in the classroom in English I, English II, Algebra I, Algebra II, Biology, Geometry, and US History. The information from these assessments gives educators, parents, and students a big picture perspective of how the student is progressing academically compared to their peers in Tennessee.
When are TCAP EOC Tests Administered?
Fall: November 30-December 17, 2026
Spring: April 19-May 6, 2027
How are parents and families notified of assessment results?
Parents will receive a student report after testing and may also access the TCAP Family Portal. More parent resources about TCAP testing can be found here.
English Learner Assessment (ELPA21)
What is the purpose of the English Learner Assessment (ELPA21)?
ELPA21 was created by a group of states working together to improve education for English language learners. Students taking the ELPA21 assessment will use a computer to listen, speak, read, write, and follow instructions. They will be shown short videos, presented with text to read, and asked to complete exercies that are similar to activities they do in the classroom.
How will parents be notified of results?
Scores will be reported to the Tennessee Department of Education and distrubuted to your child's school. A letter will then be sent home in the parents' native language within the federal guidelines.
When is the English Learner Assessment (ELPA21) administered?
The test will take place at your child's school during regular school hours between February 1-March 26, 2027. The test will take about one hour for grades K-1, nineth minutes for grades 2-5, and two hours for grades 6-12. Some children may be given more time to complete the test based on their specific needs.