What You Should Know About the ISAT
The 2007 Spring ISAT is aligned to Idaho content standards in reading, mathematics, language usage, and science.
Changes in the ISAT would have been made even had there not been a change in test vendor. Two independent reviews determined that the ISAT was not aligned to standards. This alignment is a requirement of No Child Left Behind.
Idaho teachers have played a major role in the development of the tests. Teachers have been selected from applicants to assure
· Content expertise, including a range from five to 35+ years
· Rural and urban balance
· Geographic representation, and
· Gender balance
Idaho teachers have developed descriptors of performance at each level of achievement (below basic, basic, proficient, and advanced) for each content area. They also have set cut scores for each content area based on the actual data from the spring test and the descriptors of expected performance at each level (PLDs).
A psychometric requirement is that all tests are comparable from year to year. This year’s test has been linked to the 2006 test, and scores are comparable.
Teachers now have clear guidance about what is important and what needs to be taught: the standards.
Idaho standards are rigorous and have a range of cognitive demand.
Results of spring ISAT reflect where our students are now relative to Idaho standards at the end of the school year. The fall test will provide information to guide instruction for the coming year.
Preliminary AYP results were posted on June 28 for districts to review. Until close of business on July 27 is a window for districts to appeal significant data. Following the appeals window final AYP results will be made public. Schools and districts must then report to parents if they are in "needs improvement" status.
Parent Brochure (English)
Parent Brochure (Spanish)