Parents

Mrs. Arlene Ciotti, Assessment Coordinator
(847) 842-3517
aciotti@barrington220.org

District 220 schools are committed to using data to inform classroom instruction. Whether this data is everyday schoolwork or standard testing, this valuable information can help us determine how each student learns as well as what content areas they may need the most attention.

Below is a list of the standard assessments which we give to students every year. In most cases, we have provided links to more in depth information on these tests. If you have any additional questions, please contact the Department of Research and Development

Elementary School Assessments (K-5):

NWEA MAP Tests: The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Test determine a student's instructional level and measure academic growth from year to year in the areas of mathematics and reading. They are administered three times a year to all students in grades 3-5. Delivered electronically, the test self-adjusts to deliver different questions to different students, based on their answers. These test results are used by teachers to determine areas of strength in their students,as well as areas in need of attention. (Learn more about MAP Tests)

ISAT: The ISAT (Illinois Standards Achievement Test) measures individual student achievement relative to the Illinois Learning Standards. The results give parents, teachers and schools one measure of student learning and school performance. In spring 2007, students in grades 3-8 will take the ISAT in reading and mathematics, with grades 4 and 7 also taking the science assessment. (Learn more about ISAT)

CogAT: CogAT measures learned reasoning and problem-solving skills in three different areas: verbal, quantitative and nonverbal. Reasoning skills develop gradually trhoughout a person's lifetime and at different rates for different individuals. Resoning abilities are good predictors of success in school and are important outcomves of good schooling. District 220 uses CogAT scores to help identify students who need academically advanced instruction.
(Learn more about CogAT)

Secondary School Assessments (6-12):

NWEA MAP Tests: The Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Test determine a student's instructional level and measure academic growth from year to year in the areas of mathematics and reading. They are administered three times a year to all students in grades 3-8. Delivered electronically, the test self-adjusts to deliver different questions to different students, based on their answers. These test results are used by teachers to determine areas of strength in their students,as well as areas in need of attention. (Learn more about MAP Tests)

ISAT: The ISAT (Illinois Standards Achievement Test) measures individual student achievement relative to the Illinois Learning Standards. The results give parents, teachers and schools one measure of student learning and school performance. In spring 2007, students in grades 3-8 will take the ISAT in reading and mathematics, with grades 4 and 7 also taking the science assessment. (Learn more about ISAT)

PSAE: The Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) measures the achievement of grade 11 students, relative to the Illinois Learning Standards for reading, mathematics and science.
(Learn more about The PSAE)

EXPLORE / PLAN / ACT: The EXPLORE test is administered to students in grade 8. The content is closely tied to that of the achievement tests in the ACT. It is also consistent with the content of ACT's PLAN assessment administered in grades 9 and 10. Taken together, the EXPLORE and PLAN exams create a track, preparing students for the ACT exam.

PSAT / SAT: The PSAT exam, gien to students in grade 10, stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It is a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test. The PSAT measures: critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills.

English Language Learner Assessments (K-12):

IMAGE: The Illinois Measure of Annual Growth in English (IMAGE) measures the progress of students with limited English prficiency (LEP). In 2006, the tests were administered in reading and mathematics in grades 3 - 8, and in grade 11. (Learn more about IMAGE testing)

ACCESS: ACCESS is a standards-based, criterion referenced English language proficiency test designed to measure English language learners’ social and academic proficiency in English. It assesses social and instructional English as well as the language associated with language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies within the school context across the four language domains. (Learn more about ACCESS)