Student performance data is from the 1998 and 1999 Stanford Achievement Test, Illinois Goals Assessment Program (IGAP) and the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT). Prior to 1998, Itasca Public School District 10 utilized the California Achievement Test as a nationally standardized achievement test.

The Stanford Achievement Test assesses students in reading, mathematics, language, science, and social studies. These tests provide an objective and general measure of what students have learned in the basic school subjects. In administering a nationally standardized achievement test, information is obtained that compares the performance of Itasca Public School District 10 students with students throughout the nation. When a student is administered both the Otis-Lennon and the Stanford tests, Stanford sub-test and total battery scores for individual students are identified as being low, middle or high as compared to other students of the same age, grade and performance ability. These comparisons are made of students being assessed at the same time of the school year and for specific grade level groups.

The test results are distributed to teachers, principals and parents. Scores received from the assessment test contribute information to assist staff members in planning instruction.

The other major test is the state’s Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) which assesses students in mathematics, reading, writing, science, and social studies. Students in 7^th grade receive the testing in social studies and science while 8^th graders are assessed in mathematics, reading, and writing. Grade level and subject area teachers annually assess curriculum alignment to the Illinois State Standards to enable our students to be better prepared for these tests.

Each subject and grade level teacher has written local assessments. Some of these assessments are short answer questions, multiple choice questions, essay questions, performance-based responses using a rubric assessment, a portfolio assessment of student work compilations, and technology-enhanced presentations using tools such as Power Point.

All assessments are aligned with the curriculum and reflect the state standards.