Although test scores are only one measure of student achievement, they have become increasingly important in assessing student learning. In 2006-2007 Indiana used the Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) assessment to test students in grades 3 through 10 in English/language arts and math and in grades 5 and 7 in science. The ISTEP+ is a standards-based test that measures how well students are meeting the state's grade-level expectations. High school students are required to pass the grade 10 ISTEP+ in order to graduate.

Indiana also administers End-of-Course Assessments in algebra I and II, biology I and English II at the conclusion of each course. An End-of-Course Assessment in United States history will be added in 2007-2008.

How are the tests scored?
Students are assigned one of three scores for their performance on the ISTEP+: did not pass, pass, or pass+. The state's goal is for all students to obtain a pass or pass+ score on the test. The End-of-Course Assessments are scored as did not pass or pass. The state's goal is for all students to pass the test.

Which scores are included on GreatSchools profiles?
For each subject and grade tested using the ISTEP+ assessment, the combined percentage of students scoring at the pass and pass+ level 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 Indiana Department of Education; if there are fewer than 10 students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.

Why do the tests matter?
Indiana scores are important to students because schools are required to provide remediation services to those who do not pass the ISTEP+ test in any content area. At the high school level, students must pass the grade 10 ISTEP+, or the Graduation Qualifying Exam (GQE), to earn a high school diploma. High school students are given at least five opportunities to pass the GQE.

ISTEP+ scores are important to schools because they are used to place the school in one of five state accountability categories. Schools in Academic Probation must follow specific steps to improve performance.

It is important to be aware of both your child's score on the assessments and the overall score for his school. If your child scores below the standards, contact his teacher to discuss getting additional assistance, and to find out how you can support your child's learning at home. 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.

What changes did Indiana implement in the 2006-2007 school year?
Indiana introduced the grade 7 science ISTEP+ exam in 2006-2007.

A few parting words
Even though test scores can be an indicator of what's happening in the classroom, they don't tell you everything about the quality of a particular school. Always look at more than one measure when judging school quality and visit in person before making any final assessment.

IN Dept. of Education, 2006-2007