New Statewide Assessment Implementation Spring 2019
The new Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) will replace the Iowa Assessment for Indianola students this spring. The ISASP, developed in collaboration with Iowa educators and aligned with grade-specific Iowa Core standards, provides a clear and accurate assessment of student learning outcomes. The new assessments will be administered in the following subjects and grade levels:
- Math: Grades 3-11
- English Language Arts, including reading and writing: Grades 3-11
- Science: Grades 5, 8, and 10
Most Indianola CSD students will take the assessment online. The move to online delivery and innovative technology enhancements heralds a new era in Iowa education. Feedback on learning outcomes will be quicker and more accurate than ever before.
- While previous tests relied heavily on multiple choice questions, the new English, math and science tests will evaluate students’ skills using a mix of item types including technology-enhanced questions as well as open-ended essay questions.
- By allowing students to manipulate material on the screen, the technology-enhanced questions provide greater insights into learning than previously used multiple choice questions.
- Online testing broadens its accessibility to students with a wider array of learning needs.
- Math and science tests will be available in Spanish.
- Paper and pencil testing is available for identified students.
- Unlike the previous assessment, the ISASP will not be timed, allowing students to concentrate on sharing what they know.
The new assessments will provide parents with actionable information about their child’s learning. Results will provide a detailed analysis of how students performed relevant to the proficiency definitions. And, over time, parents will also be able to access year-over-year analysis of how their child performed from one year to the next.