Indiana schools begin ‘ILEARN’ era in standardized testing
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – ILEARN, the long-awaited replacement for ISTEP is finally here.
The assessments are entirely new and were built with help from Indiana teachers.
The ILEARN experience will be different for each student using what’s called computer-adaptive software.
The system adapts to each student’s mastery of the content throughout the test and every time a student answers a question, his or her response helps to determine the next question presented.
The difficulty of the test will adjust to their skill set, providing a better measure of what each student knows individually.
ILEARN is also untimed so students can take as much time as they need to finish the exam within reason.
The test is expected to take an average of two hours less than previous statewide testing.
Bringing in ILEARN has been called a relief for many teachers and parents who had grown frustrated with ISTEP testing.
ISTEP was riddled with various problems over the years, including issues with the actual testing, grading and even getting scores back in a timely manner.
The one thing that hasn’t changed is the Indiana state standards. Students will be expected to meet the same goals they had to strive for with I-STEP.
ILEARN testing is underway for students across Indiana in these categories:
- English and Math (3rd-8th grade)
- Science (4th-6th grade)
- Social Studies (5th grade)
Some Indiana public schools are also taking time to celebrate and get kids pumped up for the exams with their “Testing Spirit Week.”
The first ever ILEARN testing period starts April 22, 2019 and goes until May 17.
Test results are expected to start coming back in August.
For more information on ILEARN, click here.