Assessments
State Assessments:
Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) — Grades 3-8
The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is a statewide test taken by students in grades 3 through 8 in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. The goal is to measure whether students are meeting Illinois’ learning standards and to provide insights into areas where students may need additional support.
Key Features & Purpose
- Standards-based: IAR assesses the expectations of the Illinois Learning Standards in ELA and Math.
- Multiple-choice + open response: Students answer a mix of question types, including written response, to show deeper understanding.
- Adaptive or fixed: The test is not adaptive (unlike MAP) but is designed to differentiate by grade.
- Annual administration: It’s given once per school year, usually in the spring.
- Used for accountability and support: IAR results contribute to school and district accountability under Illinois law, and they help schools identify strengths and needs by grade, content area, and student subgroups.
What the Results Show
- Performance levels: Students are classified into levels such as Not Proficient, Approaching, Proficient, or Exemplary based on their scores.
- Scale scores: Each student also receives a scale score that shows how far above or below the performance cutoffs they fall.
ISBE — IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) Main Page / Family Portal
This page explains what IAR is, how results are used, and includes links to parent resources, performance level descriptions, and the Family Portal.
➤ https://www.isbe.net/iar Illinois State Board of Education
Pearson / Illinois Parent Portal User Guide
A straightforward guide for parents to learn how to log in, use claim codes, and view their student’s IAR results (Individual Student Reports) via the Parent Portal.
➤ Illinois Parent Portal User Guide PDF Pearson Support
ACT® Assessments at Heyworth CUSD (Grades 9–11)
Heyworth CUSD administers the ACT® assessment suite to students in grades 9–11 to help measure academic progress and readiness for college and careers. These nationally recognized, standards-aligned assessments provide valuable insight into student learning and growth.
- PreACT (Grades 9–10): Offers students early exposure to ACT content and format, helps them understand their academic strengths, and pinpoints areas for improvement before taking the ACT.
- ACT (Grade 11): A nationally recognized college entrance exam used by colleges and universities for admission and placement decisions.
These assessments give teachers and families important information about each student’s academic progress and readiness for life after graduation. Results are used to guide instruction, identify learning needs, and help students plan for their postsecondary education and career goals.
➤For more information about the ACT assessment suite, visit www.act.org.
Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Alternate Assessment
The Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Alternate Assessment is Illinois’ state test for students with the most significant learning needs. It helps us understand what your child knows and can do in English Language Arts (reading/writing), Math, and sometimes Science, but it is designed differently from the regular state test so students can show their learning in ways that work for them.
Key Points for Families:
- Aligned to state standards: DLM measures the same big ideas Illinois expects all students to learn, but at a level and pace that match your child’s needs.
- Flexible and accessible: Students can respond using assistive technology, pointing, eye gaze, or other supports that help them participate meaningfully.
- Focus on important skills: Instead of every grade-level standard, DLM looks at “Essential Elements”—the most important skills your child is working on in reading and math.
- Taken once a year: Students complete the DLM assessment in the spring, just like the regular state tests.
How the results are used:
- Your child’s results show how they are progressing in key areas over time.
- Teachers and IEP teams use the information to plan instruction, set goals, and choose supports.
- Families get a clear report that explains your child’s performance in each subject.
By using DLM, Heyworth CUSD ensures students with significant learning needs are included in Illinois’ testing system in a way that is fair, respectful, and meaningful for their growth.
District Benchmark Assessments - Given three times per year
NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress)
The NWEA MAP Growth Assessment is an online, adaptive test that measures what students know and what they are ready to learn next. Students in our district take the MAP assessment in Reading and Mathematics three times each school year — in the fall, winter, and spring.
Because the test adjusts in difficulty based on each student’s responses, it provides a personalized picture of academic growth over time. Teachers use MAP results to:
- Identify each student’s instructional level
- Set academic goals and measure growth
- Guide instruction and differentiation in the classroom
- Evaluate progress across grade levels and years
MAP results help our district ensure that all students are making meaningful academic progress.
➤Learn more about the NWEA MAP Growth Assessment:
https://www.nwea.org/the-map-suite/map-growth/
AimswebPlus
AimswebPlus is a universal screening and progress monitoring system used to assess foundational skills in reading and math. Students complete short, timed assessments that help identify strengths and areas needing support. Our district administers AimswebPlus three times per year — in the fall, winter, and spring — to monitor student progress throughout the school year.
Teachers and support staff use AimswebPlus data to:
- Screen all students to ensure they are on track academically
- Identify students who may need additional intervention
- Monitor progress for students receiving support services
- Inform instructional decisions and targeted teaching
AimswebPlus helps our teachers ensure that every student receives the right level of support to reach their full potential.
➤Learn more about AimswebPlus:
https://www.pearsonassessments.com/aimswebplus