Assessment & Accountability
Monitoring Student Progress Throughout the Year
In Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District, we use a balanced assessment system to support student growth, tailor instruction, and track academic progress. Multiple data sources help us meet students where they are and guide them toward academic success.
Throughout the school year, we use a variety of evidence-based tools, including:
FastBridge – Screens and monitors reading, math, and fluency skills
Illuminate DnA – Supports classroom assessments, common formative assessments (CFAs), and data analysis
Lexia – Personalized reading support to build foundational literacy
95 Percent Group and Wilson – Structured literacy tools for decoding, phonics, and fluency instruction
Bridges Intervention – Targeted math intervention aligned to conceptual understanding
These tools provide timely, actionable data to ensure every student receives the instruction and support needed to thrive.
State Assessment Overview
Each spring, students participate in statewide assessments aligned with Arizona’s Academic Standards. These assessments provide valuable information about student achievement and help inform instruction at the school and district levels.
The state testing window typically runs from mid-March through mid-April. We encourage families to schedule appointments outside this window to avoid interruptions during testing.
AASA (Arizona’s Academic Standards Assessment)
Administered to students in grades 3–8, AASA assesses English Language Arts (ELA) and Math proficiency.
Arizona Department of Education AASA Information
AzSCI (Arizona Science Test)
In grades 5, 8, and 11, students participate in AzSCI to demonstrate proficiency in Arizona’s Science Standards.
Arizona Department of Education AzSCI Resources
ACT Aspire (Grade 9)
All 9th-grade students take ACT Aspire to assess their English, reading, math, and science readiness. The results help guide instruction and inform support for college and career readiness.
Arizona Department of Education ACT Aspire Resources
ACT (Grade 11)
All 11th-grade students take the ACT, a college entrance exam used by universities nationwide. It fulfills Arizona’s high school assessment requirement and supports students in post-secondary planning.
Arizona Department of Education ACT Resources
AZELLA (Arizona English Language Learner Assessment)
AZELLA measures English language proficiency for students identified as English learners. It determines placement, measures progress, and guides language instruction.
Arizona Department of Education AZELLA Resources
Arizona Department of Education Alt ELPA
MSAA (Multi-State Alternate Assessment)
MSAA is administered to eligible students with significant cognitive disabilities in grades 3–8 and 11. It measures performance in ELA and Math and aligns with alternate academic standards.
Arizona Department of Education MSAA Information
Support for All Learners
All assessments are designed to be accessible. Testing accommodations are provided as outlined in students' IEPs or 504 plans to ensure every student has the opportunity to demonstrate their learning.
If you have any questions about assessments or how the district uses student data, please contact your school administrator or the district office.