Scale: % at or above proficient
Grade 3
Reading

85% (2009)

93% (2008)
The state average for Reading was 79% in 2009.
Math

82% (2009)

98% (2008)
The state average for Math was 76% in 2009.
Source: SD Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 4
Reading

81% (2009)

90% (2008)
The state average for Reading was 77% in 2009.
Math

79% (2009)

87% (2008)
The state average for Math was 78% in 2009.
Source: SD Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
Grade 5
Reading

75% (2009)

85% (2008)
The state average for Reading was 77% in 2009.
Math

91% (2009)

85% (2008)
The state average for Math was 77% in 2009.
Source: SD Dept. of Education, 2008-2009
About the Tests
- In 2008-2009 South Dakota used the Dakota State Test of Educational Progress (Dakota STEP) to test students in grades 3 through 8 and 11 in reading and math, and in grades 5, 8 and 11 in science.
- The Dakota STEP is based on the Stanford 10, a national norm-referenced test. It is also standards-based, which means it is aligned to South Dakota's educational standards and measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state. The standards-based Dakota STEP results are displayed on GreatSchools profiles.
- The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
Testing in South Dakota: An Overview
See South Dakota's state standards