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Teaching and Learning » Assessments

Assessments

​With the adoption of the new Illinois Learning Standards incorporating the Common Core, the state has retired many of its old tests and replaced them with new, innovative assessments that will provide educators with reliable data to help guide instruction. Often aided by technological advances, these assessments will allow for students to better showcase their skills compared to the old, multiple-choice format.

AP Exams are standardized exams designed to measure how well you’ve mastered the content and skills of a specific AP course. Most AP courses have an end-of-year paper-and-pencil exam, but a few courses have different ways to assess what you’ve learned—for example, AP Art and Design students submit a portfolio of work for scoring.

 
NWEA MAP Assessment is administered to students in RIMSD41, grades K-11, three times a year (fall, winter, and spring).  Students are assessed in both Reading and Mathematics.
 
Families may access their student's MAP results via Skyward.  
  • Log into Skyward.
  • Locate the "Test Results" tile.
  • Test results for Fall, Winter, and Spring will be available for review.
 
 
 
NWEA MAP Family Resources 
 
What is MAP Growth?  (video resource)
 
NWEA MAP:  Frequently Asked Family Questions (pdf resource)
 
Michael's Story:  What it is like to take a MAP Growth Assessment (video resource)

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

The SAT Suite of Assessments is an integrated system of tests that measure what students are learning in class, and what they need to succeed in college. Students in grade 9 take the PSAT 8/9 and students in grade 10 to take the PSAT 10. 

SAT Practice-College Board

SAT Practice-Khan Academy

Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)

Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 are required to take this assessment. The assessment is broken down into 3 sessions. Each session should take about 40 minutes.  This assessment is based on the Next Generation Science Standards that the state of Illinois has adopted.

Dynamic Learning Maps Alternate Assessment
The alternate assessment is intended for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. These students have intellectual functioning well below average (typically associated with an IQ below 55) that exists concurrently with impairments or deficits in adaptive functioning (i.e. communications, self-care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, use of community resources, self-directions, functional academic skills, work leisure, health, and safety). The reference to "typically associated with an IQ of below 55" is to help distinguish between students with cognitive disabilities and significant cognitive disabilities from students with the most significant cognitive disabilities

Accessing Comprehension & Communication in English (ACCESS):

ACCESS is a computer-based, adaptive test. The assessment measures English Language (EL) students’ progress toward English language proficiency. It tests students' language acquisition in four domains: Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing. This assessment is only for those students enrolled in our English Language Learner Program.  

Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR)

Students in grades 3 through 8 will take IAR in both English Language Arts and Math.  These assessments are fully aligned to the K-12 Illinois Learning Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics and emphasize academic rigor, critical thinking, problem-solving, and college and career readiness for all students. More about IAR >>

This assessment is similar to the SAT in that it tests students on reading, writing, language, and mathematics.  It is 2 hours and 45 minutes in length and contains 139 items. *In addition to this assessment, all juniors must take the School Day Administration of the SAT (in April of junior year)  in order to be eligible for graduation in the state of Illinois.  
 
Click the link below to learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Corporation and its' efforts:
 
For more information about PSAT for National Merit contact RIHS Counselor Mrs. Page Pierson