Illinois Assessment of Readiness logo

  • The Illinois State Board of Education requires all Illinois public school students in Grades 3-8 to participate in state-administered testing in reading and math. The current Illinois state achievement test is called the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR). The IAR test measures a student’s general Math and English/Language Arts skills. 

    INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

    What is the Illinois Assessment of Readiness?

    The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is the Illinois state achievement test. All public school students in grades 3 to 8 must take the IAR. The IAR is given every spring as posted on the District’s Assessment schedule. The IAR is taken on a computer and is designed to provide information about student progress toward the long-term goal of college and career readiness.

    The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has a section of its website devoted to the IAR. You can access the ISBE website at ISBE IAR Resources.

    The National PTA has also posted information for parents about state assessments on its website.

    Is IAR testing mandated?  Yes. School districts must administer the IAR assessments and low participation rates may affect a school’s overall accountability score on the Illinois School Report Card. 

    How can parents help to prepare their children for the IAR test?  The IAR website offers some suggestions to parents:

    • Read a combination of fiction and non-fiction aloud or with your child. Look for subjects of interest—from sports heroes to dinosaurs.

    • Discuss and “do” real-life math with your child. Help him/her know basic math facts.

    • Discuss the tests with your child to reduce your child’s anxiety. Above all, be positive and encouraging about the tests.

    • After the test, review the results with your child. Bring the teacher into the discussion as needed.

    • Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home and make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before a test.

    During testing, please make sure students bring their chromebooks charged, have access to headphones, and leave any SMART watches or other devices at home.  A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and a positive mindset can all help.