This year, the English language arts and math assessment for grades 3–8 is called the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (formerly known as PARCC). The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is almost exactly the same this year as the assessment that students took last year, only slightly shorter. The IAR measures the same Illinois Learning Standards and includes the same high-quality test questions that teachers and students have become familiar with over the past four years. Our students should feel confident showing what they know and can do on the IAR, even with the new test name and new look. If you are interested in learning more about the IAR please read the Illinois Assessment of Readiness letter from the Illinois State Board of Education.

During the same assessment window, fifth and eighth–grade students will take the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). The ISA is an hour long state-mandated assessment that measures the Illinois Science Standards, which are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. If you are interested in learning more about the ISA please read the Frequently Asked Questions about the standards.