Prepare for the Wisconsin Forward Exam With Forward Practice Tests

The Wisconsin Forward Online Assessments, a part of the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), are administered online since 2015-16. From the subject areas covered to the format of questions and the skills necessary for proficiency, a solid understanding of the Wisconsin Forward Exam sets the stage for effective Forward test prep strategies. Moreover, online testing requires students to develop strong digital technology skills to excel in the exam.

Students and educators can ease the preparation process by utilizing Wisconsin Forward Exam practice tests and samples, which offer invaluable insights into test structure and content.

Here's everything you need to know about the Wisconsin Forward Exam and effective strategies for the Forward Test prep.

What is the Wisconsin Forward Assessment?

The Wisconsin Forward Assessment, commonly known as the Forward Exam, is a statewide online assessment program designed to measure student proficiency in essential academic areas according to Wisconsin Academic Standards. It evaluates students' understanding of core subjects and their readiness for college and careers. The Forward exam measures students' progress in content areas such as English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

Grades and Content Areas covered under Forward Exams

The Wisconsin Forward Exam is administered to grades 3 through 8 and includes English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies assessments.

• English Language Arts across grades levels 3 to 8

• Mathematics across grade levels 3 to 8

• Science across grade levels 4 and 8

• Social Studies across grades 4, 8, and 10

When is the Forward testing period?

The Wisconsin Forward exam is administered online in the spring of each year (in the months of March to April). Wisconsin Schools have the liberty to select their testing dates within this window. While students may take more or less time than the estimated time of the test, below is the estimated time for each test:

The Wisconsin Forward exam is administered online in the spring of each year (in the months of March to April). Wisconsin Schools have the liberty to select their testing dates within this window. While students may take more or less time than the estimated time of the test, below is the estimated time for each test:

• English Language Art lasts for 130 minutes

• Mathematics lasts for 90-115 minutes

• Social Science lasts for 70 minutes

• Science lasts for 105 minutes

The Wisconsin Forward Exam also offers accommodations and support for English language learners and students with disabilities. Those with significant cognitive disabilities can opt for the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM), an alternate assessment aligned with Wisconsin Academic Standards. Administered online, DLM can be given one-on-one for students needing extra assistance.

In grades 9 and 10, Wisconsin students take the ACT Aspire, which covers English, reading, math, science, and writing and aids in ACT preparation for grade 11. It's an online test, except for those requiring paper due to disabilities. Grade 11 students take the ACT with writing, fulfilling both their annual summative assessment and a college admissions requirement. The test is available in both paper and computer formats.

English language learners undergo English language skills assessment through ACCESS for ELLs, while those with significant cognitive disabilities take the Alternate ACCESS for ELLs.

Type of Questions Encountered in the Forward Exam

The Forward Exam features a variety of question types, including multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended response. ELA includes reading comprehension and English language skills through multiple-choice questions, selecting misspelled words, placing quotation marks in the right place, or writing short paragraphs.

On the other hand, Mathematics involves multiple-choice questions, drop-down options, bar graphs, and other interactive-response questions. This diverse format enables educators to assess students' critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and mastery of subject matter.

How are the Wisconsin Forward Exams Scored?

The Forward Exam scores students based on their performance in each content area. The scores are categorized under four levels:

• Advanced - The student displays a thorough understanding and proficiency in applying the knowledge and skills corresponding to their grade level, aligning with college content-readiness standards.

• Proficient - The student displays a satisfactory understanding and capability in applying the knowledge and skills relevant to their grade level, meeting the requirements for college content readiness. 

• Basic - The student displays a partial comprehension and application of the knowledge and skills expected for their grade level, reflecting limited readiness for college content.

• Below Basic - The student displays a minimal understanding and application of the knowledge and skills expected for their grade level, indicating a lack of readiness for college content.

How to Prepare Students for the Forward Exam?

• Curriculum Aligned with State Standards: Design a curriculum that closely aligns with Wisconsin Academic Standards to ensure students acquire foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success on the Forward Exam.

• Formative Assessments: Incorporate regular formative assessments into classroom instruction to monitor student progress, identify areas of strength and weakness, and tailor teaching strategies accordingly.

• Wisconsin Forward Exam Practice Tests: Integrate Forward practice test samples designed after the Forward Exam into instruction to familiarize students with the test format, content, and expectations, providing valuable preparation opportunities.

• Differentiated Instruction Strategies: Employ differentiated instruction techniques to meet the diverse learning needs of students, providing targeted support and enrichment activities tailored to individual readiness levels and learning styles.

• Targeted Remediation and Enrichment Activities: Offer remediation activities for students needing additional support in specific skill areas identified through formative assessments while also providing enrichment opportunities for advanced learners to deepen their understanding and skills.

Leverage Quizizz For Forward Test Prep

Educators can effectively prepare students for the Wisconsin Forward Exam by utilizing resources such as Wisconsin Forward Exam practice tests and other impressive features offered by Quizizz. Quizizz offers educators a dynamic platform to engage students in interactive learning experiences tailored to the Forward Exam.

Create Customized Quizzes: Educators can create and enhance customized quizzes Quizizz that align with the objectives and content areas of the Wisconsin Forward Exam, providing focused practice opportunities for students.

Gamified Approach to Motivate Student Participation: Quizizz's gamified features, such as leaderboards, avatars, and timers, help educators increase student engagement and motivation during Forward test prep sessions.

Free Access to Forward Practice Tests: Quizizz offers a library of Forward Practice Test samples to provide students with authentic exam-like experiences, enabling them to simulate test conditions and build confidence.

Self-Paced Learning with Quizizz Assignments: Educators can assign activities as self-paced learning tasks, allowing students to progress through material at their own speed and revisit challenging concepts as needed.

Integrate Quizizz into your Forward test prep and gain free access to a library of Forward Exam Practice Test samples!