Local education expert explains school testing for parents

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Judy Cohen from Lakeside Educational Services joined us Monday, Nov. 24 with answers common questions parents have about school testing.

Cohen explained several computer-based adaptive tests used in Wisconsin schools, including MAP, STAR, FastBridge and Forward testing. Adaptive means the difficulty of questions adjusts based on a student's answers, according to Cohen.

Tests are typically given in fall, winter and spring to measure student achievement and growth in reading and math. Teachers and administrators use the results to understand student skills and determine curriculum needs.

The 2026 Wisconsin Forward Exam testing window is March 16 to April 24, according to Cohen.

She also explained that formative assessments like quizzes monitor learning during a course, while summative assessments like final exams evaluate learning at the end of an instructional unit.

Lakeside Educational Services can be found online by clicking here.