Assessments

ACCESS for Multilingual Learners (ML) is a standards-based, criterion referenced English language proficiency test designed to measure English language learners' social and academic proficiency in English. It assesses social and instructional English used within the school context as well as the language associated with language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies across the four language domains (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing).

aimswebPlus is a universal screening, progress monitoring, and data management system that supports Response to Intervention (RTI) and tiered instruction. aimswebPlus uses brief, valid, and reliable measures of reading and math performance for grades K-8, which can be generalized to any curriculum.

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) is a standardized test designed to measure learned reasoning and problem­ solving skills. These abilities, acquired both in and out of school, are important because children use them on a daily basis to learn and solve problems. It is important to note that the CogAT is neither an intelligence test nor an achievement test. It measures developed rather than innate abilities.

Sample tasks include:

• Comprehending problem situations
• Detecting similarities and differences
• Making inferences
• Make deductions
• Classifying and categorizing objects, events, and other stimuli
• Creating and adapting problem-solving strategies
• Using familiar concepts and skills in new contexts

The Quantitative and/or Verbal CogAT batteries are given to students in third and fifth grade. Any 4th, 6th, and 7th grade students new to the district will also be administered the CogAT in their first year.

The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is the state assessment and accountability measure for Illinois students enrolled in a public school district. IAR assesses the Illinois Learning Standards and will be administered to students in English Language Arts and Mathematics.

IAR assessments in English Language Arts and mathematics will be administered to all students in grades 3-8, according to their current grade level.

The Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) is an observational tool designed to help teachers and administrators better understand the developmental readiness of children entering kindergarten.  KIDS is core to the Illinois State Board of Education’s (ISBE) goal that every child in Illinois deserves to attend a school wherein all kindergarteners are assessed for readiness. KIDS focuses on the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that most impact long-term student success. This assessment takes place within the first forty days of the Kindergarten school year.

KIDS focuses on the knowledge, skills, and behaviors across four key domains that most impact long-term student success. The domains are: Approaches to Learning and Self-Regulation; Social and Emotional Development; Language and Literacy Development; and Cognition: Math.