A Q&A with Curriculum Director Cory Johnson.
The Iowa State Assessment of Student Progress is fast approaching.
While each building’s schedule is somewhat varied, students will take ISASP from March 27-April 6, with make-ups following the next week or two as needed.
Burlington Community School District Cory Johnson agreed to answer some questions ahead of time to help students and parents prepare.
Q: What exactly is ISASP?
A: The Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) is given to all public school students in grades 3-11 in the State of Iowa.
Some parents may remember the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS), Iowa Tests of Education Development (ITED), or Iowa Assessments from their own school experiences. The ISASP is the current version of this statewide test. It is developed by Iowa Testing Programs at the University of Iowa and published by Pearson.
The ISASP measures student achievement relative to the Iowa Core Standards in the areas of reading, writing, math, and science.
Q: What, if anything, can/should students do to prepare for ISASP?
A: Take it seriously. Even though it isn’t something that shows up on your report card, the data is used by the District and by the Iowa Department of Education to evaluate our schools. It’s important to show how much you know.
Be well rested, eat breakfast. Relax and do your best.
Q: What advice do you have for students who struggle with test taking?
A: Relax and do your best. Students who typically receive accommodations as part of their regular school day may also have access to accommodations or support for the ISASP.
There are special guidelines Special Education Teachers and 504 Coordinators use to ensure that the appropriate features and accommodations are made available to students during the testing.
Q: What does ISASP measure?
A: The ISASP measures student achievement relative to the Iowa Core Standards in the areas of reading, writing, math, and science.
Q: Why is ISASP important?
A: Individual Students: The ISASP results are part of the data used
