1996 Knowledge and Concepts Examinations

The Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS) is based on the first three state learner goals for the children of the state. They declare that a learner in Wisconsin will:

• Build a substantial knowledge base.
• Develop thinking and communication processes.
• Apply knowledge and processes.

To meet the initial goal, eighth- and tenth-grade tests were administered as part of the WSAS and were first given on a voluntary basis during the 1992-93 school year. The assessment vendor changed following that year, and currently the Eighth and Tenth Grade Knowledge & Concepts Examinations are administered by The Psychological Corp., of San Antonio, Texas. Academic portions of the tests are in reading, language, mathematics, science, and social studies using multiple-choice and short-answer questions (except for language). Students also respond with two essays to writing prompts. A career interest inventory completes the test.

Given the length and format of the existing statewide examinations, it is not possible to assess all important knowledge and skills in every subject area. A summary of the content covered by these examinations is provided below:

• Reading: Students answered multiple-choice and short-answer comprehension questions based on various short reading passages. Although some require literal responses, most question require students to draw inferences from what they are reading.
• Mathematics: Students answered multiple choice questions requiring math computations in the context of one-or two-step word problems. Short answer questions at both grades required mathematical communication and problem solving within the context of the application of mathematical knowledge in computation.
• Language: Students answered multiple-choice questions that tested their ability to recognize conventional usage, mechanics, and syntax. The writing sample assessed students' ability to produce first-draft writing in response to expressive and imaginative prompts.
• Science: Students were tested on their knowledge of scientific facts and definitions, identification of direct cause-and-effect relationships, and skill in reading two-factor graphs and charts.
• Social Studies: Questions required students to read maps, globes, graphs, and charts and interpret primary source documents. Students were questioned on basic principles of geography; historical facts, events, and people; political science; and economics.

Each student taking all of the academic tests receives a Grand Composite Scores (GCS). The GCS is derived as follows:

• Each of the five multiple-choice tests has 30 questions worth one point each toward the GCS (Grand Composite Score), a maximum of 150 points.
• Each essay is worth up to 12 points, and each point earned is worth one point toward the GCS for a maximum of 24 points.
• Each of the four short-answer tests has three questions (a total of 12 questions). A student can earn a score of 0 through 3 on each question. For purposes of the GCS, the score on each question is weighted by two for a maximum of six points on any question for a maximum of 72 points.

The GCS points earned as described above are summed, so the maximum possible GCS is 246 (150 + 24 + 72).

Average Grand Composite Scores (AGCSs) are reported for each school or district in two ways: for all students and for all students except EEN, Section 504, and LES students. The AGCS was designed by the DPI to provide an overall indication of student achievement.

Scores on each of the multiple choice, essay, and short answer tests are reported for each district and school. These scores are based on the scores of all students taking each of the tests. The results of the multiple choice and writing tests are reported as national percentile ranks. The results of the short answer tests are reported as average raw scores. Percentile ranks are not available for the short answer tests because these test are a shortened version of the longer nationally normed tests. No results are reported for any school or district in which five (5) or fewer students were tested.

The examinations are given in the fall of the year, and the AGCSs are used to identify those school districts that are low in performance (s. 115.38[4]). The AGCS used for this purpose excludes the scores of EEN, Section 504, and LES students. The state superintendent of public instruction is then required to work with the districts identified to help them improve performance.

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For further information regarding these tests or to download statewide test results, see:

• Content Descriptions of the Knowledge & Concepts Examinations
• Eighth Grade Knowledge & Concepts Examination
• Tenth Grade Knowledge & Concepts Examination

For more complete information regarding statewide testing programs, see:

• Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS)

For questions about this information, contact dpispr@dpi.wi.gov (608) 267-9619

Last updated on 2/28/2008 8:23:20 AM