Helpful Educator Resources
Illinois Learning Standards
The Illinois Learning Standards establish expectations for what all students should know and be able to do in each subject at each grade. The standards emphasize depth over breadth, building upon key concepts as students advance. The standards promote student-driven learning and the application of knowledge to real world situations to help students develop deep conceptual understanding. Intentionally rigorous, the Illinois Learning Standards prepare students for the challenges of college and career.
Resources Used for Common Core
English Language Learning/Bilingual Education
Fine Arts
Parents’ Guide to Student Success – PTA
The Parents’ Guide to Student Success (offered in English and Spanish) was developed in response to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics. National PTA created the guide for grades K-8 and two for grades 9-12.
National Parent Teacher Association
Illinois State Testing
Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR)
The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is the state assessment and accountability measure for Illinois students enrolled in a public school district. IAR assesses the New Illinois Learning Standards Incorporating the Common Core and will be administered in English Language Arts and mathematics to all students in grades 3-8.
IAR Resources
https://www.isbe.net/assessment
SAT with ESSAY, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9
Beginning in spring 2017, ISBE mandated that every 11th grade public school student take the SAT with Essay if the student had not previously opted to take the Grade 11 DLM-AA. In Spring 2019, ISBE assessed every 9th grade public school student with the PSAT 8/9 and every 10th grade public school student with the PSAT 10 if the student had not previously opted for the Grade 9 or Grade 10 DLN-AA.
SAT with ESSAY, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9 Resources
Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)
Illinois will administer a science assessment to students in grades 5, 8 and 11 and enrolled in a public school district. The assessment will be administered in an online format and is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards for Science incorporating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which were adopted in 2014.
ISA Resources
English Language Proficiency Assessment (ACCESS)
The enrollment of any new student to the district must include a Home Language Survey. Potential English Learners (ELs) must be screened and placed in EL services if they qualify. Additionally, all ELs must take the annual English Language Proficiency Assessment (ACCESS). Districts use ACCESS scores to determine the annual placement for ELs.
ACCESS Resources
WIDA Standards
Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) Assessment
The Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) is an observational tool designed to help teachers, administrators, families, and policymakers better understand the developmental readiness of children entering kindergarten.
KIDS Assessment Resources
Illinois Report Card
The Illinois Report Card is an annual report released by the Illinois State Board of Education that shows how the state, and each school and district, are progressing on a wide range of educational goals. The Report Card offers a complete picture of student and school performance in order to inform and empower families and communities as they support their local schools.
Illinois Interactive Report Card
5Essentials
The 5Essentials Survey identifies five indicators that lead to improved outcomes for all students, including better attendance and larger test score gains.
The five indicators that positively affect school success are:
- Effective Leaders
- Collaborative Teachers
- Involved Families
- Supportive Environments
- Ambitious Instruction
Research derived from the Five Essentials for School Success has proven that schools with strengths in at least three of the 5Essentials are ten times more likely to improve student outcomes.
5Essentials
Other Helpful Educator Links
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents (IARSS)
- Illinois Association of School Administrators
- Illinois Education Association
- Teacher Retirement System (TRS)
- Illinois Principals Association
- Illinois Reading Council
- Illinois Resource Center (IRC)
- Learning Technology Center of Illinois (LTC)
- Illinois School Board Association (IASB)
- Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO)
