OAKS Science
Oregon Assessment of Knowledge & Skills (OAKS) are administered annually by subject matter and grade. Oregon public schools test students in English language arts and math in grades 3 - 8 and 11, and in science in grades 5, 8, and 11. The purpose of these tests is to assess district, school, and individual student progress toward meeting the Oregon Standards.
OAKS Science Test
The Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (OAKS) Science test is a state-required computer-based assessment of student science knowledge. for all students in grades 5, 8, and 11. OAKS Science measures how well students have mastered science skills and knowledge in physical science, life science, earth and space science, and engineering design. Students take the test on a computer. The test takes about 60 minutes to complete.
Practicing the Science Test
Students find it helpful to take the practice tests since science vocabulary varies so much from curriculum to curriculum. There will also be new field test questions this year (2018) with new format for some items. You can access the practice tests and field test training at: Practice test site (oaksportal.org)
- You can access the site using Safari (Google Chrome may not work on the iPad)
- Select “Student”
- Select “Practice Tests”
- Sign In as “Guest”
- Select student grade in drop down menu
- There is a “New Item Type Training Test” with 4 sample problems and “Science Practice Test” with more standard items.
How do we sign up for the test?
Sign ups for testing in your area are published in early spring/ late winter each year. Depending on your area, testing for science may be done on the same days as ELA and math assessments. Testing for students begins after Spring break.
Opting Out of Science
To opt-out of the OAKS Science Assessment, parents must write a letter to the School Test Coordinator and request the opt-out based either on reasons of a disability or religion. Please send the letter to [email protected]