Although test results are only one measure of student achievement, they have become increasingly important in assessing student learning. In 2005-2006 Iowa used the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) to measure student achievement in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math and the Iowa Test of Educational Development (ITED) to test students in grade 11 in reading and math. The tests are norm-referenced, which means they measure how well students in Iowa are performing compared to their peers nationwide.
How are the tests scored?
The ITBS and ITED tests measure performance through a percentile rank based on the scores of all students of the same grade level in the nation. The goal is for all students to score at or above the 40th percentile.
Which results are included on GreatSchools profiles?
The results displayed on GreatSchools profiles are for accountability purposes and reflect the performance of students who have been enrolled for the full academic year. For each subject tested, the percentage of students scoring at or above the proficient level (the 40th percentile) is displayed.
GreatSchools also displays subgroup results to show how different groups of students are scoring in comparison to the overall student population in a given grade and subject. These subgroups are identified by the state Iowa Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, the state doesn't report data for that group.
Why do the test results matter?
ITBS and ITED results are important to schools in Iowa because the state uses them to determine schools' strengths and
areas for improvement. Although test scores alone are not used to make decisions regarding grade-level promotion or
retention, low scores on standardized tests are one piece of evidence that might suggest the need for additional assistance.
It is important to be aware of both your child's score on the assessments and the overall scores for her school. If your child scores below the standards, contact her teacher to discuss getting additional assistance, and to find out how you can support your child's learning at home.
If the school's overall scores are low, ask what steps the school is taking to raise achievement levels for all students and what you as a parent can do to help. If your child is in a failing school, ask what your options are for obtaining supplemental services or for transferring to a higher-performing school.
A few parting words
Although test results can be an indicator of what's happening in the classroom, they don't tell you everything about the
quality of a school. Always look at more than one measure when judging school quality and visit in person before making
any final determination.
Source: IA Dept. of Education, 2005-2006