Assessment

Idaho Standards Achievement Tests

• What are the ISATs?
• How is the ISAT given?
• When are the tests given?
• What do the tests cover?
• Test types
• What does the score represent?
• What are the current cut scores for each grade level?

What are the ISATs?

ISAT stands for the Idaho Standards Achievement Tests. The tests are given in grades 3-10. The ISAT consists of three multiple-choice tests in the core subjects of reading, math and language usage. The Board recently piloted a new science test for grades 5, 7, and 10. The ISAT is offered in the fall and spring of each academic year allowing teachers to track student achievement.

How is the ISAT given?

• The students take the ISAT via computer at their school.
• It takes approximately 90 minutes per subject area to complete the ISAT, however, the test is not timed, so students can take as long as they need.

When are the tests given?

The ISAT is taken twice a year, once in the fall and once during the spring. 11th or 12th graders may be tested more often if re-testing for graduation proficiency is needed.

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What do the tests cover?

• Mathematics: Grades 3-10
• Reading: Grades 3-10
• Language Usage: Grades 3-10
• Science: Grades 5,7, and 10

Test Types

• Spring ISAT
  The Spring ISAT is a criterion-referenced test with an extender second session. The test is based on Idaho Standards at each grade level for each subject. The extender second session will enable a more defined achievement level for the advanced and below basic students.
• Fall ISAT
  The Fall ISAT is a criterion-referenced test adaptive test based on Idaho Standards that measures a more defined achievement level for each student based on the student’s previous Spring ISAT performance.

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What does the score represent?

The ISAT scores reported are based upon the Rasch methodology of scaled measurement. The score represents student performance as being Advanced, Proficient, or Basic based on the adopted cut scores for each test area and grade level.

What are the current cut scores for each grade level?

Approved by the State Board of Education May 30, 2007

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