Wisconsin Knowledge Concepts Examination (WKCE)

At Grades 3-8, and 10

Beginning in the 2005-06 school year, the federal No Child Left Behind Act required all states to test all students in reading and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and once in high school (grade 10 under s.118.30 Wis Stats). These tests are referred to as the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE). Student performance on these assessments is reported in proficiency categories and used to determine the adequate yearly progress of students at the school, district and state levels.

These standardized tests are designed to measure Wisconsin academic standards. The WKCE measures achievement in reading, language applications, mathematics, science, and social studies using multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Students also provide a rough draft writing sample. Total WKCE test time varies by content area and grade.

Beginning September 1, 2002, WKCE scores are used as one of several criteria for advancing students from fourth to fifth grade and from eighth to ninth grade. The other criteria are academic performance, teacher recommendations based on academic performance, and any other academic criteria specified by the local school board.

WKCE for Reading, Mathematics, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies

Reading

Wisconsin Model Academic Standards for Reading - Designed to be general guidelines which may be adopted or adapted by local school districts with cooperation and input from parents and other concerned citizens.View or print on-line version | Order printed standards publication
Assessment Frameworks for Reading - Provides an indication of the range of coverage on the reading portion of the WCKE administered statewide in Wisconsin. PDF Format
Performance Level Descriptors and Scale Score Ranges for Reading - Intended to help parents, educators, and others understand what children who score at a given performance level on the WKCE are expected to know and be able to do at the time of testing.
Practice Tests, Released Items, and Sample Items for Reading - Released items in reading provide educators, students, and the public examples of how students are assessed in these subjects on the WKCE. Released items come from the test administered in fall 2005 and will not be used again on future tests. These items may be used as practice tests or for teacher professional development.
2006 Alignment Analysis of Reading Standards and Assessment by Norman L. Webb

Mathematics

Wisconsin Model Academic Standards for Mathematics - Designed to be general guidelines which may be adopted or adapted by local school districts with cooperation and input from parents and other concerned citizens.
View or print on-line version | Order printed standards publication
Assessment Frameworks for Mathematics - Provides an indication of the range of coverage on the math portion of the WCKE administered statewide in Wisconsin. PDF Format
Performance Level Descriptors and Scale Score Ranges for Mathematics - Intended to help parents, educators, and others understand what children who score at a given performance level on the WKCE are expected to know and be able to do at the time of testing.
Practice Tests, Released Items, and Sample Items for Mathematics - Released items in mathematics provide educators, students, and the public examples of how students are assessed in these subjects on the WKCE. Released items come from the test administered in fall 2005 and will not be used again on future tests. These items may be used as practice tests or for teacher professional development.
WKCE Translation Accommodation Released Math Items:
- Spanish: Grade 3 Grade 6 Grade 10
- Hmong: Grade 3 Grade 6 Grade 10
2006 Alignment Analysis of Mathematics Standards and Assessment by Norman L. Webb

Science

Wisconsin Model Academic Standards for Science - Designed to be general guidelines which may be adopted or adapted by local school districts with cooperation and input from parents and other concerned citizens. View or print on-line version | Order printed standards publication
Assessment Frameworks for Science - Provides an indication of the range of coverage on the science portion of the WCKE administered statewide in Wisconsin.PDF Format
Science Blueprint - MS Word Format
Performance Level Descriptors and Scale Score Ranges for Science
Sample Test Questions for Science

Language Arts

Wisconsin Model Academic Standards for Language Arts - Designed to be general guidelines which may be adopted or adapted by local school districts with cooperation and input from parents and other concerned citizens. View or print on-line version | Order printed standards publication
Performance Level Descriptors and Scale Score Ranges for Language Arts
Sample Test Questions for Language Arts
Writing Test - In the writing portion of the WKCE, students plan, write, and edit a composition on a specific topic (prompt) within a specified time frame.
- Writing Rubrics
- Sample Prompts can be found in the Writing Assessment Released Item Book.

Social Studies

Wisconsin Model Academic Standards for Social Studies - Designed to be general guidelines which may be adopted or adapted by local school districts with cooperation and input from parents and other concerned citizens. View or print on-line version | Order printed standards publication
Performance Level Descriptors and Scale Score Ranges for Social Studies
Sample Test Questions for Social Studies

More Information

For additional information contact either Lynette Russell at lynette.russell@dpi.wi.gov or phone (608) 267-1072, or Viji Somasundaram at visalakshi.somasundaram@dpi.wi.gov or phone 608-267-7268.

For questions about this information, contact oeamail@dpi.wi.gov

Last updated on 11/6/2009 9:35:25 AM

Wisconsin Knowledge Concepts Examinations (WKCE)