Math & reading standards and testing in Arizona
Updated June 2026
Arizona repealed Common Core in 2015 and adopted its own Arizona Academic Standards for English language arts and math. Students in grades 3-8 take the AASA each spring in ELA and math.
Does Arizona hold kids back in 3rd grade for reading?
Yes. Under Move On When Reading, a 3rd grader scoring Minimally Proficient on the AASA ELA test may be retained unless a good-cause exemption applies; it affects under 3% of 3rd graders.
Standards
Arizona Academic Standards
Arizona sets its own grade-level expectations rather than using Common Core, though the core math and reading skills are similar grade to grade.
The key test
The Arizona state test
AASA covers both math and reading in grades 3-8.
Reading the results
Spring, typically March to April.
Four levels: Minimally, Partially, Proficient, Highly Proficient.
On grade level means Proficient or above on AASA; Minimally Proficient in 3rd grade can trigger retention review.
What's distinctive about Arizona
Move On When Reading (2010) is one of the longest-running 3rd-grade reading gates; Arizona replaced AzMERIT with AASA in 2022-23.
Practice the skills, by grade
Whatever Arizona calls its test, the underlying math and reading skills are grade-level. Practice them directly:
Practice the skills behind the test
KangarooKiddo gives short, daily, grade-aligned math and reading practice mapped to Common Core, in sessions kids come back to. Honest progress for you, rewards they earn.
Source: Arizona Department of Education. Verified for the 2025-26 school year; policies can change, so confirm with your school.
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