Illinois Assessment of Readiness
The Assessment Window for Franklin Elementary School will be as follows:
Franklin students in grades 3-6 will take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness. In compliance with federal testing requirements, we will also administer the Illinois Science Assessment to students enrolled in grade 5. Both assessments will be administered in an online format and are aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards.
How can parents help to prepare their children for the IAR test?
The IAR/PARCC website offers some suggestions to parents:
Read a combination of fiction and non-fiction aloud or with your child. Look for subjects of interest—from sports heroes to dinosaurs.
Discuss and “do” real-life math with your child. Help him/her know basic math facts.
Discuss the tests with your child. Reassure your child and encourage him/her to do their best.
Explain to your child that the tests will initially be more challenging. Tell your child to do his/her best on the test and that you are there to help every step of the way.
Utilize the district General Resources Links on this site where students can practice items, view tutorials, and practice the test tools.
After the test, review the results with your child. Bring the teacher into the discussion as needed.
Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home and make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before the tests.
Above all, be positive and encouraging about the tests.
Practice IAR Questions:
IAR Practice Tests
https://il.mypearsonsupport.com/practice-tests/
IAR Digital Library
https://il.digitalitemlibrary.com/home
New Meridian
http://assessmentresource.org/released-items/
What is the Illinois Assessment of Readiness?
The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is the Illinois state achievement test given to all public school students in grades 3 through 8. The test measures a student’s general math and English language arts skills. The IAR is fully aligned with the Illinois Learning Standards and uses the same test questions from its predecessor, the PARCC exam. The IAR is taken on a computer and is designed to provide information about student progress toward the long-term goal of college and career readiness.
What does the IAR test look like?
The IAR uses the same test items and questions as the PARCC exam, including practice tests that mirror the actual student tests. Please note that students test in both Math and English Language Arts.
Is IAR testing mandated?
Federal law—specifically, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), requires each state to give a state achievement test to its students. Participation rates will affect a school’s overall accountability score on the Illinois School Report Card.
Keyboarding Sites
IAR is an online assessment that includes important extended response and essay questions. It is important that students are proficient at computer keyboarding. All Franklin students in grades 3-5 have been practicing during computer classes to help improve their keyboarding skills. This link, as well as several others are below.