SB 141: What it means for families & students

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Oregon has a new education law called SB 141. The goal is to help schools better understand how students are doing during the school year, not just at the end of the year.

Starting in the 2026-27 school year, students in grades K-8 will take short check-ins in English language arts, which includes reading and writing, and math. These check-ins are called interim tests.

Interim tests help teachers see what students are learning and where students may need more support. Because the tests happen during the school year, teachers still have time to adjust instruction and help students.

What are interim tests?

Interim tests are short check-ins students take in the fall, winter, and spring. Schools choose from a list of tests approved by the Oregon State Board of Education.

Interim tests are one part of a balanced assessment system. This means schools use more than one kind of information to understand student learning.

What is the balanced assessment system?

The balanced assessment system includes three types of assessment:

Formative: Daily classroom work, teacher observations, assignments, and quick checks that help teachers adjust instruction.
Interim: Short tests given three times a year to see how students are progressing.
State test: The annual state test used to measure how schools are doing compared to state standards.

How are interim test results used?

For teachers: Results show what students understand and where they need more practice.
For schools: Results help schools and districts spot patterns and plan support.
For ODE: Results help the state see how districts are doing and where help may be needed.
For families: Results help families talk with teachers about their child’s strengths, needs, goals, and next steps.

What are interim tests not?

Interim tests are not high-stakes tests. They are: