LGS Parents/Guardians,
The Illinois Assessment for Readiness (IAR) is a computer-based standardized assessment for all students in Grades 3 - 8 that is designed to measure students’ progress toward the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, as well as the Standards for Mathematical Practices. These assessments help us see where our students are compared to other students across the state. We will begin to administer these assessments this month. If students are absent during a testing period we will be able to administer the assessments when they return. They will take one reading and one math assessment each day. It is very important that your child be in attendance on assessment dates. Please have your student to school on time by 8:00 a.m. because the assessments will start right away on these days.
The grade levels will be scheduled on the following dates.
- 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grades - April 12th-14th
- 6th, 7th, and 8th Grades - April 15th, 16th, 19th
In addition to the IAR, all 5th and 8th grade students will take the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA). The following dates for this assessment will be:
- 5th Grade - April 19th, 20th
- 8th Grade - April 20th-22nd
How can parents help to prepare their children for the IAR test?
- Have your student eat breakfast.
- The IAR 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 new tests with your child. Make sure he/she is not scared or anxious going into the new tests.
- 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.
- 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 nutritious breakfast before a test.
- Above all, be positive and encouraging about the test
