Wisconsin Forward Exam

Overview

During the 2015-16 school year, Wisconsin rolled out an assessment called the Wisconsin Forward Exam. During the 2023-24 Wisconsin administered a new version of the Forward Exam. The new exam is designed to gauge how well students are doing relative to the recently updated Wisconsin Academic Standards. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in order to be on track for future learning. The Forward Exam is administered online in the spring of each school year at:

• grades 3-8 in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics,
• grades 4 and 8 in Science and,
• grades 4, 8, and 10 in Social Studies.

Accommodations and supports for students with disabilities and/or English language learners are built into the system so that the progress of students can be accurately measured.

The Forward Exam is a high quality, research-based, and affordable online assessment that meets Wisconsin’s expectations. It is a customized assessment with innovative item types that includes test questions reviewed and approved by Wisconsin educators.

Forward Exam Information for Families Brochure - Learn more about the Forward Exam.

Wisconsin Forward Exam Updates - Learn more information about recent changes to the Forward Exam test design.

Forward Exam Development Process - Learn more each step in the exam development process.

Academic Standards, Classroom Teaching, and State Assessments 2020-25 - Learn more about how updates/changes to the Wisconsin Academic Standards affect and are then reflected in the curriculum, classroom teaching, assessment, performance level standard setting, assessment reporting, and student/school improvement.

The Link Between Standards, Curriculum, and Assessment - Learn more about the relationship between the academic standards, school curriculum, and statewide assessments, and what that looks like in the classroom.

NAEP and State Assessments - Learn about the differences between NAEP and statewide assessments.