Benchmark Assessments

• Administer an approved vendor

• Administer to all students in grade K-8

• Measure proficiency in reading and mathematics

• Administer twice a year – first 9 weeks of school and before the end of the year in spring

• Administer the same benchmark assessment fall and spring

• Provide results to parents within 30 days of both administration dates (fall and spring)

• Complete application in NexSys. More information to come from MDE regarding login information.

Even if not requesting funding, MDE requests districts to complete the application and select "NO" and identify which assessment is used for reporting purposes.

• I-ready
• NWEA
• STAR Renaissance Learning
• Smarter Balanced DRC (free to schools)

• Grades K-2: Early Literacy and Mathematics Benchmark Assessments
• Grades 3-8: Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments

Applications in NexSys.

• Deadline TBD
• Awards are planned to be made in February or March 2027
• Awarded districts will be asked to complete a final budget
• Lump sum payments are planned for distribution in SAMS in March or April 2027
• Directions for Application

The Benchmark Assessment grant funds are intended to assist districts with overall expenses related to a system or program of benchmark assessments in the school year in which assessments were administered. Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to, purchased academic testing services, staff time, support services, and supplies (use the available function codes in the NexSys budget). Note: For staff time spent on assessments, do not use the grant funds to replace personnel costs normally paid with school aid funds, such as per-pupil allowance.