Yukon-Koyukuk School District

PEAKS (Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools) is administered to students in Grades 3-9 (English language arts and mathematics) and grades 4, 8 and 10 (science) each spring during the state designated testing window shown here. This state-required assessment provides students the opportunity to show their understanding of important skills in these content areas at their grade level. YKSD students take PEAKS on a computer.

 

For more information regarding PEAKS: https://education.alaska.gov/assessments/peaks

 

2019 Testing Window:  March 25-April 26

 

 

English Language Arts (ELA)— Grades 3-9

Grade(s)	Parts	Time Per Part*	Time Total*	Test Session Time Recommendation
3	P1: Reading P2: Writing	45 minutes 30 Minutes	75 minutes	105-120 minutes
4-5	P1: Reading P2: Reading and TDA~ P3: Writing	45 minutes 30 Minutes 25 Minutes	100 Minutes	130-150 minutes
6-8	P1: Reading and TDA~ P2: Writing	75 Minutes 30 Minutes	105 minutes	135-150 minutes
9	P1: Reading and TDA~ P2: Writing	85 minutes 35 minutes	120 Minutes	150-180 minutes

 ~TDA (NEW): Text-Dependent Analysis.  A TDA is a written response based on a reading passage. TDAs are only included in ELA and are applicable for grades 4-9 only.

 

Mathematics—Grades 3-9

Grade(s)	Parts	Time Per Part*	Time Total*	Test Session Time Recommendation
3-5	P1: Non-Calculator P2: Non-Calculator	35 Minutes 35 Minutes	70 minutes	100-120 minutes
6	P1: Non-Calculator P2: Calculator	35 minutes 45 Minutes	80 Minutes	110-120 minutes
7	P1: Non-Calculator P2: Calculator	20 minutes 60 Minutes	80 Minutes	110-120 minutes
8	P1: Non-Calculator P2: Calculator	15 minutes 65 Minutes	80 Minutes	110-120 minutes
9	P1: Calculator P2: Calculator	45-60 minutes 45-60 minutes	90-120 minutes	150-180 minutes

 

 Science—Grades 4, 8 and 10

Grade(s)	Parts	Time Per Part*	Time Total*	Test Session Time Recommendation
4, 8 and 10	1 Part Only	60-70 minutes	60-70 minutes	90 minutes

 

New for 2018, English language Arts (ELA), Grades 4-9: Text-Dependent Analysis (TDA)

The State of Alaska has added a new type of question to the ELA assessment for grades 4-9. A text-dependent analysis asks students to respond to a reading passage in writing using evidence from the text. The State of Alaska has developed a TDA Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions to support parents and educators in understanding this new component. 

Fact Sheet: Text-Dependent Analysis (TDA)    &    Text-Dependent Analysis (TDA) FAQs

PEAKS Frequently Asked Questions

What is PEAKS?

PEAKS (Performance Evaluation for Alaska’s Schools) is the state summative assessment. Participation in the spring state assessment is a requirement of both the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and Alaska state regulation to inform stakeholders about student performance. PEAKS is one part of a balanced, comprehensive assessment system, which also includes district and formative assessments.

What does PEAKS testing look like?

YKSD will be participating in the computer-based PEAKS assessment. Students in grades 3-9 will take English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. ELA consists of two components, reading and writingand is administered and is administered in two or three parts depending on grade level. Mathematics is administered in two parts. Students in Grades 4, 8 and 10 will also take science, which is administered in one part.

How long does PEAKS take?

Testing times vary by grade level. While the assessment is untimed, approximate testing times are shown under the PEAKS Testing Window and Content area Component section.

When is PEAKS administered?

The PEAKS testing window is in the spring.  The dates are shown under PEAKS Testing Window and Content area Component section. For more information about when PEAKS will be administered at a designated location for each school, please contact your child’s teacher or front office.

Are accommodations available for the PEAKS assessment?

Student supports are available to all students for PEAKS in the form of Universal Tools. In addition, accommodations are available to students with an IEP, 504 or ELL plan.

Are practice tests available?

PEAKS has practice tests available now! Called Online Tools Training (OTT), students, teachers and parents can access sample items, practice the testing interface for all content areas and practice using the universal tools, such as, highlighter, line guide, magnification, sticky notes.

These practice tests are not to practice content. Instead, the practice opportunities focus on helping students feel comfortable with the testing interface and using the testing tools. The Practice Test Quick Guide provides directions for accessing the practice tests.  PEAKS Practice Test Quick Guide   Google Chrome is required. The direct link is here: https://wbte.drcedirect.com/AK/portals/ak

Are keyboards and headsets required to take PEAKS?

Keyboards are required for short answer items and the Text-Dependent Analysis (TDA). Headsets are not required unless a student is receiving text-to-speech as an accommodation.

When can scores be expected for PEAKS, and how will the scores be used?

The State of Alaska uses scores to calculate and report accountability measures. Districts are provided individual results to inform educators and parents about student progress on the Alaska State Standards. All student results are posted to Parent Connection. An estimated score arrival date is forthcoming.

Where can I find more information about PEAKS?

State of Alaska’s website: https://education.alaska.gov/assessments/peaks