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: 

 2019 Testing Window:  March 25-April 26

 Testing times* to complete PEAKS vary by grade level and content area. While the assessment is untimed, approximate testing times by content area and grade level are included in the tables below. Using these estimates, included are recommended minimum test session length.

English Language Arts (ELA)— Grades 3-9

 ~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

 Science—Grades 4, 8 and 10

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

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: View Website Alaska Department of Education & Early Development

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: