Resources

Student Assessment

Illinois Alternate Assessment
IAA Image

The Illinois Alternate Assessment (IAA) is the yardstick the state uses to measure the learning of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. Students take the IAA if participation in the state's regular assessments — the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) or the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) — is not appropriate, even with accommodations.

The IAA is a performance-based assessment that uses on demand tasks, which are aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards. The IAA is based on alternate achievement standards in reading, mathematics, science and writing at the grades corresponding to ISAT and PSAE.

The IAA is currently undergoing federal peer review.

bullet IAA Test Dates

IAA 2010 Test Administration Window
New There is one four-week window for all districts. There will not be an opportunity to test “early” or “late”.
22-Feb-2010 through 19-Mar-2010

bullet 2010 Assessment Network Reference Guide New

Ordering/Verifying ISAT/IAA Test Materials and Updating Contact (Profile) Information on Assessment Network

Order window – October 31 – December 21, 2009

NOTE: This document was reposted because there was an error on page 6 involving pick-up dates for ISAT materials.

bullet Webinar Trainings

bullet Regional Trainings

bullet 2010 IAA Test

bullet Information for IAA Coordinators

bullet RCDTS Codes: select Directory of Educational Entities



bullet Framework Priorities



bullet General Information



Exemption from PSAE High School Diploma Requirement

In August 2004, Senate Bill 2769 (Public Act 93-857) became effective and requires all students to take the Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE) as a condition of receiving a regular high school diploma, unless the student is exempted from taking PSAE. Students whose individualized educational programs identify the PSAE as inappropriate for them and identify the Illinois Alternate Assessment (IAA) as the appropriate Grade 11 state assessment are exempt from meeting the PSAE diploma requirement.

In high school, the IAA is administered at grade 11 only. Students classified as being in grade 12 who should have, but did not participate in IAA while in grade 11 do not take the IAA as grade 12 students.

Questions about IAA test administration should be directed to Pearl Schneider at pscheid@isbe.net or Jessica Dare at jdare@isbe.net or by calling the Assessment Division at 217/782-4823.