The various Illinois state tests--IAR, DLM, ISA, and so on--read like an alphabet soup of academic requirements that make students growl. 

Well, they’re here to stay, but the good news is that tutoring support can help your children slay these testing beasts. Here’s everything you need to know about Illinois state tests.

There are many reasons for testing, but without getting into the weeds, let’s keep it high-level. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal program requiring states to assess learning standards for students for English Language Arts (ELA), math, and science. Illinois executes these assessments by administering the following tests:

Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) - Students grades 3 - 8 in a public school district are required to take this test, which assesses New Illinois Learning​ Standards incorporating the Common Core in the areas of reading language arts, and math. 

Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) - Students in grades 5, 8 and 11 in a public school district are required to take the ISA test. Students are evaluated on their basic knowledge of science, according to the Illinois Learning Standards for Science which incorporates the Next Generation Science Standards.

Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) – DLM is administered to students in grades 3 - 11, who have significant cognitive disabilities. This assessment measures skill levels in math, language arts, and science.

ACCESS for ELLS – Students in grades k - 12 whose primary language is not English are required to take this assessment, which measures reading, writing, speaking, and listening. 

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) - We’ve all heard about this one. The College Board’s SAT with essay is a free college admissions exam and is required for public school students in 11th grade in order to graduate with a regular diploma.

Preliminary SAT (PSAT) - Also known as the Practice SAT, the name suggests just that. This test helps students prepare for the SAT and possibly qualify for scholarships. Some schools offer it to sophomores while others only allow it for juniors. 

ACT - Previously known as American College Testing, the ACT is a college entrance exam that assesses a high school junior’s readiness for college. Unlike the SAT, the ACT is not required by the state. 

NWEA Measures Of Academic Progress (MAP) - The MAP achievement test is for students grades k - 12 and assesses their reading, language usage, and mathematics knowledge and skills. Depending on your school district, it can be administered multiple times throughout the school year to track student learning. 

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) - As its name suggests, the CogAT measures a student’s cognitive skills. It’s administered to students in all grade levels and assesses listening, direction-taking, and focus unrelated to a specific content area. 

Schedules for these tests vary, so it’s best to refer to the Illinois State Board of Education website. 

Excited yet? We don’t blame you if you’re not; however, it’s never too early to start preparing. 

Club Z! Tutoring of Chicago North Shore offers test prep services for the ACT and SAT in addition to providing individualized, in-home and virtual tutoring for students k - 12 in Northbrook, Glenview, Wilmette, Winnetka, Northfield, Kenilworth, and surrounding cities. If you want your child to work on developing skills that will translate to improved grades and self-esteem, contact us today at: bbalatsos@clubztutoring.com. You can also reach us at 847-440-3440 and by visiting clubztutoringnorthshore.com.