NSCAS Overview
The Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS), pronounced “en-skass,” is a new statewide assessment system that embodies Nebraska’s holistic view of students and helps them prepare for success in postsecondary education, career, and civic life. It uses multiple measures throughout the year to provide educators and decision makers at all levels with the insights they need to support student learning.
NSCAS Summative Assessment Administration
NSCAS General Summative Assessments
NSCAS-English Language Arts
- Grades 3-8
NSCAS-Mathematics
- Grade 3-8
NSCAS-Science
- Grades 5 & 8
ACT
- High School*
NSCAS Alternate Summative Assessments
NSCAS-AA-English Language Arts
- Grades 3-8, High School*
NSCAS-AA-Mathematics
- Grade 3-8, High School*
NSCAS-AA-Science
- Grades 5 & 8, High School*
ELPA21
- K-12 English Learners
*Note: Students who are in their third year of cohort at the high school level will participate in the college entrance exam-the ACT, or in the NSCAS- Alternate Assessments
NSCAS Summative Assessment Resources
NSCAS Documents
NSCAS Accessibility Manual – Updated 9.25.25
– Accessibility Tools 1-3 short form – Updated 8.19.25
*Accommodations list included
Assessment/Learning/Instruction – Nebraska Department of Education
2025-2026 NSCAS Scheduling Guidance
Guidance for Constructed Response Accommodations
Suggestions for Smooth Testing Process
Emergency Medical Waiver Form for NSCAS, ACT, ELPA 21– Updated 11.26.24 – Please fax to our office at 402.742.2319 or email to nde.stateassessment@nebraska.gov.
NSCAS Security Procedures
NSCAS Assessment Security Manual– Updated 8.25.25
NSCAS Security Procedures – Updated 8.1.24
NSCAS Test Administration Orientation (PowerPoint) – Updated 9.12.25
NSCAS Test Administration Orientation (PDF) – Updated 9.12.25
2025 NSCAS Observation Security Checklist
Testing Irregularity
Report of Testing Irregularity Form – Updated 08.19.25
Confidentiality Agreements
Sample District Security Policy
Building Principal Security Agreement – Updated 7.30.24
DAC Confidentiality Agreement – Updated 7.30.24
District and School Staff Security Agreement Template – Posted 8.19.25
Test Development Confidentiality Agreement
Guidance for Assessment Performance & Participation Calculations – Posted 03.20.25
Go to the ADVISER Data Guidance tab of the ADVISER Resources page for the latest version of the following guidelines:
- ADVISER Data Elements
- Who Reports What
- Systems Involved Student Report
2025 Assessment Roadshow
Assessment Roadshow Presentation – Scottsbluff 10.7.25
Assessment Roadshow Slide Deck
2025 Assessment Administrators’ Day
Family Communication
NSCAS Interpretive Guide for Parents (pdf)
NSCAS Interpretive Guide for Parents (Spanish) (pdf) COMING SOON!
ISR Family Letter 2025-2026 (pdf)
ISR Family Letter 2025-2026 (doc)
ISR Family Letter 2025-2026 Spanish (pdf)
ISR Family Letter 2025-2026 Spanish (doc)
ACT
NSCAS ACT Family Letter – (Give to students after testing)
NSCAS ACT Family Letter – Spanish – (Give to students after testing)
Family Communication
NSCAS Interpretive Guide for Parents (pdf)
NSCAS Interpretive Guide for Parents (Spanish) (pdf) COMING SOON!
ISR Family Letter 2025-2026 (pdf)
ISR Family Letter 2025-2026 (doc)
ISR Family Letter 2025-2026 Spanish (pdf)
ISR Family Letter 2025-2026 Spanish (doc)
ACT
ACT Family Letter – (Give to students after testing)
ACT Family Letter – Spanish – (Give to students after testing)
Coming Soon!