Assessments
The Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT)
The ISAT English Language Arts/Literacy assesses what students know and are able to do in the areas of Reading, Writing, Listening, and Research. These are the four reporting categories known as Claims, each of which requires evidence to determine proficiency toward mastery of the Idaho Content Standards. In elementary school there is a focus on reading proficiency. In middle and high school, reading and writing for content becomes the focus.
The ISAT Mathematics test is required in grades 3-8 and 10. The items directly align to the Idaho Content Standards. The items require a student to know mathematics and be able to perform mathematical problems at varying degrees of difficulty as they correlate to the standards. Claim 1 assesses the content standards. Claims 2, 3, and 4 assess the Mathematical Practice Standards, which describe how students go about doing math.
The ISAT Science assessment is composed of items that address standards, goals, and objectives for grades 5 and 7. The goals and objectives for each grade are distributed among five reporting categories: Nature of Science, Physical Science, Biology, Earth and Space Systems, and Personal and Social Perspectives; Technology.
More information about your student’s test results can be found on the new Idaho Department of Education interactive parent website: Test Score Guide
Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI)
The IRI is a screening assessment given to Idaho students in grades kindergarten through 3rd grade, at least twice a year, fall and spring. Click on the links below for more information about the IRI.
A-Parents-Guide-to-Promoting-Early-Literacy
Strategies-Strengthen-Reading-Fluency-at-Home-Grade-1
Strategies-Strengthen-Reading-Fluency-at-Home-Kindergarten
Civics Assessment
Beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, Idaho students will be required to take the United States Citizenship Test as outlined in Idaho Code §33-1602.7. The civics test may be taken at any time after enrolling in grade 7 and it may be repeated as often as necessary for the student to pass the test.
Districts are required to assess all students using the questions from the U.S. Citizenship Naturalization Test. Districts may decide how the assessment is given, i.e. multiple choice, question and answer, orally, etc. Districts will also determine the passing threshold a student will need to meet in order to fulfill the graduation requirement. Students may take the assessment anytime between their 7th and 12th grade year.
Link to more information - Civics Assessment
College Entrance Exams
Idaho supports students in understanding and creating Next Steps after high school in a variety of ways. Taking a college entrance exam is a Next Step opportunity and a chance for students to receive resources and personalized feedback to assist in preparation for entry level college coursework. Every spring, Idaho coordinates and pays for a statewide college entrance exam, currently this is the SAT.
The SAT is available for all public high school juniors. The PSAT exam is available as a state paid opportunity for all public high school sophomores. Students and parents should contact their high school guidance/career counselor for information and local logistics on testing days.
Link to more information - College Entrance Exams
Science
The End-of-Course Science Assessment, which is part of the Comprehensive Assessment Program (IDAPA 08.02.03.111), requires high school students to take an End-of-Course Assessment in Biology and/or Chemistry. This assessment is provided by the state and administered by the district.
Link to more information - Science Assessments
For more information about assessments, please contact:
Trish Simonson
simonsont@jsd243.org
(208) 630-6027