We recommend students test in the same month of each test window. For example, if you test in August for the Fall test window, then it would be best to test in November, February, and May, as those are the first months in each test window. This will ensure equal time intervals between each set of math and reading tests.
Suggestions for managing test windows
Plan your testing schedule in advance so you can test all students before the window ends. If you can not have all students test before the end of the test window, it may be better to wait until the beginning of the next test window. Students who are tested across two test windows will have their data appear in different report and graph categories, making it difficult to evaluate group progress.
Try to have all students test within the same two-week period during the test window. If one student tests at the beginning of a test window and another student tests at the end of the test window, the latter student is likely to have better test results as a result of the additional learning that took place throughout the test window.
The summer test window can either be used to evaluate the progress of summer school students or, with careful planning, can be used as a fourth test window during the school year. To test four times a year a school could test in August, November, February and May (the first month of each test window). If a school starts the year in September, the test months could be September, December, March, and June (the second month of each test window).