ISASP: Adaptive Test Practice Items

Adaptive Testing

One of the changes in ISASP this year is that the Reading and Science subtests will be in an adaptive format in the online version of the assessment.  Adaptive testing is a computer-based approach to testing that adapts test content to the student's performance on the test.  Adaptive assessments provide a more accurate picture of student performance.  

While we will get more precise information with adaptive testing, there are also some changes.  The adaptive reading test has 3 stages.  Within each stage, a student may not skip questions.  They may change responses before completing a stage, but once that stage is submitted, they may not go back and change any items.

The adaptive science test has 2 stages. Within each stage, a student may not skip questions.  They may change responses before completing a stage, but once that stage is submitted, they may not go back and change any items.

Depending on how the students answer the questions, they will either go up or down in complexity.  It is important to note that while items may increase or decrease in  complexity, they will all be grade level items at grade level standards.  All students will respond to the same number of items. 

Preparing for Adaptive Assessments

In order to help students best show what they know, it will be very important for all students to have practice with the format change prior to the assessment.  Practice items may be found on the Pearson Access Site.

ISASP Test Preparation

The practice tests will allow both teachers and students to become familiar with the format and content of the assessment as well as provide practice with some of the online tools.  We would like all students who are taking the test online to have some practice with this prior to taking the assessment.  Please contact Rob Timmins or any member of the Curriculum Team for further support or professional learning with this.  

Testing Timeline

As a reminder, our district window for testing is April 11th-May 6th.  This will be further broken down by grade levels as listed below:

• Grades 9-11: April 11-April 22
• Grades 6-8: April 18-April 29
• Grades 3-5: April 25-May 6

All required training for ISASP administration must be completed prior to the testing window opening on April 11th.

ISASP: Updates and Changes

As we enter the month of March, we will have a series of blogs to support administration of the Iowa Statewide Assessment of  Student Progress (ISASP). 

Testing Timeline

Our district window for testing is April 11th-May 6th.  This will be further broken down by grade levels as listed below:

• Grades 9-11: April 11-April 22
• Grades 6-8: April 18-April 29
• Grades 3-5: April 25-May 6

Changes for 2022 Administration

There are 2 significant changes for this year's administration.  

Adaptive Testing

The Reading and Science subtests will be in an adaptive format in the online version of the assessment only. Adaptive testing is a computer-based approach to testing that adapts test content to the student's performance on the test.  Adaptive assessments provide a more accurate estimate of student performance. 

Writing Assessment

The writing assessment will be a single prompt this year.  This will allow students to better direct their energy and attention into the one prompt.  

Portal Access/Training

The Pearson Access Portal provides information related to testing including trainings and manuals, test preparation, reporting resources, and information for families. New teachers will need to create an account for training, and returning teachers will want to make sure their password is accurate and/or updated.  To create or update an account, please contact Rob Timmins, Data and Assessment Coordinator. (robert.timmins@southeastpolk.org). 

Any teacher who proctors the assessment is required to take the training.  The training site is now open and available to complete.  Please visit with your building principal regarding the timeline for completing this training.  All training must be completed before the testing window opens on April 11th. 

Our next blog will include resources to support teachers and students in preparing for the assessment.