The AASA is Arizona's statewide achievement test for students in Grades 3–8, covering English Language Arts and Mathematics. Balsz administers this computer-based test annually in late March through April, with specific calendars shared after ADE releases the official schedule.

Sample Tests

Sample tests are available via Pearson's TestNav platform. Visit home.testnav.com, click Arizona, then Mic Check & Sample Tests. Students can also use the Student Readiness Tool to practice the platform's online tools before test day.

ADE Resources

• AASA Testing Dates / Windows
• Test Administration Information
• Testing Accommodations
• Manuals, Checklists & Blueprints

Testing Schedule

View Testing Schedule (PDF)

The AzSCI is Arizona's statewide Science achievement test. Balsz administers this computer-based assessment annually in mid-March through early April.

Sample Tests

Access AzSCI sample tests through Pearson's TestNav at home.testnav.com → Arizona → Mic Check & Sample Tests. Links are also on the AzSCI and Educator Resources pages at ADE.

ADE Resources

• AzSCI Resources – Arizona Department of Education

Testing Schedule

View Testing Schedule (PDF)

The MSAA is a comprehensive alternate assessment designed for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Content is aligned to Arizona's state standards with many built-in supports so students can demonstrate what they know as independently as possible.

ADE Resources

• Assessment Fact Sheet for Schools & Parents
• MSAA Arizona & National Websites

AZELLA is Arizona's standards-based, state and federally required assessment of English language proficiency. It is used for both placement (students identified via the Home Language Survey) and annual reassessment until a student achieves proficiency. Students who score proficient are then monitored for two additional years.

Grade-Level Stages

2025–26 Testing Dates

Type	Window	Notes
Placement	July 16, 2025 – May 8, 2026	Within 30 days of start (or 14 days if enrolling late)
Reassessment	Jan. 26, 2026 – Mar. 13, 2026	3rd quarter; for students currently in EL programs

AZELLA Revised 2023 – Reclassification Policy

Version	Standards	Domains	To Reclassify
Prior to Spring 2023	2010 ELP Standards	Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing	Proficient in Reading, Writing & Total Combined
Revised 2023	2019 ELP Standards	Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing	Total Proficiency Scale Score ≥ 1,000 AND Proficient or Intermediate in all four domains

• Online Sample Test (Grades 3–12)
• ADE AZELLA Information

The Alt ELPA is an alternate AZELLA designed for English learners with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Students are assessed one-on-one with individualized accommodations set by their IEP team. Results determine eligibility for English Language services for the following school year.

• Alt ELPA Resources – Arizona Department of Education

The CogAT is a nationally normed assessment measuring students' reasoning and problem-solving abilities in three areas: Verbal, Quantitative, and Nonverbal reasoning. Balsz uses it as part of the gifted screening and identification process.

Areas Assessed

• CogAT Overview Brochure (PDF)

The NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) uses visual patterns and shapes—no language required—offering equitable gifted screening access for students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

The NGAT (Naglieri General Ability Tests) adds verbal and quantitative components alongside the nonverbal format, providing a more comprehensive measure of general intellectual ability.

NGAT Components

• Naglieri Gifted Tests – Official Website

STAR is a nationally normed, computer-adaptive benchmark assessment. The test adjusts difficulty in real time based on student responses, pinpointing each student's achievement level efficiently (typically 15–30 minutes per subject). Data helps teachers understand what students know, what they're ready to learn next, and how they're progressing toward grade-level standards.

Annual Schedule

Specific windows are determined by the district and shared by individual school sites. Some students participate in additional progress monitoring throughout the year based on instructional need.

CFAs are standards-aligned checks for understanding tied to AZED Essential Standards and each instructional unit. They give teachers timely, actionable data to identify mastered skills and areas needing support—allowing real-time instructional adjustment rather than waiting for end-of-unit results.

Formats

Balsz selected Amplify's DIBELS 8th Edition (+ R.A.N.) as the district's Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener. DIBELS is a set of brief, research-based assessments measuring foundational reading skills, used to monitor progress, identify students needing intervention, and support strong reading development.

Skills Assessed

• DIBELS Home Connect – Family Literacy Practice Resources