This message will be previewed and linked in the March 5, 2025, issue of Communicate 58 newsletter.
Dear District 58 families,
In March, our students in grades 3-8 will complete the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). Additionally, this spring, our 5th and 8th graders will complete the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). Both of these are state-mandated assessments, and I am writing to ask for your partnership and support as we approach this experience with the students of District 58.
IAR/ISA background
Each spring, students in grades 3-8 are required by the Illinois State Board of Education to participate in a statewide performance assessment, called the Illinois Assessment of Readiness. Though the assessment changed names several years ago, the test questions are taken from the same bank of questions. This helps to ensure that student growth measurements are valid, and we know that the questions are aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards. Similarly, the ISA is a three-test format that covers all areas of science instruction. Our math, reading and science curricula – and therefore our student learning experiences – are also aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards.
The ways we can support our children
It is our responsibility to prepare our students for success and to ensure that their learning is robust and complete, and that they are able to demonstrate their skills when asked. Over the next few weeks, you may hear of your children seeing sample test items and reviewing the online assessment tools. This is one step in ensuring that our children are able to “show what they (truly) know” and will be embedded within regular instruction; we will not be “teaching to the test” because our instruction is already aligned to the same standards. The IAR is not a test students can study for, but there is value in familiarizing our students with its structure, format and questioning style nonetheless. In fact, the steps we will take in preparation for the IAR assessment will reinforce skills that are valuable for our students in a number of ways. For example, considering how we read and respond to detailed questions and learning how to become familiar with new ways that we can digitally interact with material are both beneficial experiences for all students regardless of an upcoming specific assessment.
Alongside that preparedness, we will continue to collaboratively create a culture of positive effort around this assessment. As with any other assessment, all we ask is genuine best effort; we know that our students are strong, persistent and capable. We ask for your support in encouraging your children to approach the IAR with the same rigor and investment that they would approach MAP testing or any other in-school task. The words and attitudes experienced at home in discussing this assessment are powerful, and they will have a direct impact on students’ own feelings toward the IAR. We again count on you to partner with us as we ask students to simply do their best; we can together minimize anxiety as we maximize the opportunity for students to demonstrate their true abilities.
The impact of your support
You may recall that in October of each year, the state awards each District 58 school a rating. In 2024, all District 58 schools received a rating of either “Exemplary” or “Commendable.” The state assessments are the only academic data used to calculate these ratings. The same legislation that yields those ratings mandates a 95 percent participation rate at each school for the IAR; this comes from both the federal and state levels. Schools that do not reach 95 percent participation for consecutive years will not be eligible for “exemplary” ratings; further, achievement scores for schools that do not meet the participation threshold are averaged against the number of students who *should* have taken the assessment, rather than those who actually completed the IAR. In short, failing to reach 95 percent participation causes a tangible, concrete impact on our schools, and underscores the importance of supporting your child’s participation in this mandated assessment.
Thank you
I appreciate your investment in your child’s education, and thank you for your continued partnership. Your individual teachers and principals will share specific testing dates with you so that you are aware of the days your child(ren) will be taking the assessments. I am available to answer any questions you may have, and again look forward to your support in modeling a responsible and engaged approach to these assessments.
Sincerely,
Liz Ehrhart
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction