This Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) page will be updated as information becomes available. The ISA is not an alternate assessment. Students who participate in the DLM-AA alternate assessment will be assessed in science in grades 5, 8, and 11.

In compliance with federal testing requirements, Illinois will administer a science assessment to students enrolled in a public school district in grades 5, 8 and 11. 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.

Logging into ISBE Teach

E-mails will be sent to the superintendent listed in the Entity Profile System (EPS) on Monday, March 8, 2021. If you had a login in previous years, this login will no longer work. Your Organizational Administrator (Superintendent listed in EPS) will need to set up new ISBE Teach accounts for all test coordinators on an annual basis. However, a test coordinator may be added to EPS and an initial e-mail will be sent to both the Test Administrator and the Superintendent on March 8, 2021, with login credentials.

ISA Technical Assistance and Help Line

If you require technical assistance concerning the ISA exam please contact the ISA Help desk.

Phone: (855) 340-3911
Email: isbe-isa-support@psionline.com

Note: Parents: If you have questions about the ISA, please contact your District Administration or School Assessment Team.

News and Updates

Logging into ISBE Teach: E-mails will be sent to the superintendent listed in the Entity Profile System (EPS) on Monday, March 8, 2021. If you had a login in previous years, this login will no longer work. Your Organizational Administrator (Superintendent listed in EPS) will need to set up new ISBE Teach accounts for all test coordinators on an annual basis. However, a test coordinator may be added to EPS and an initial e-mail will be sent to both the Test Administrator and the Superintendent on March 8, 2021, with login credentials. Click here for instructions on adding a test coordinator in EPS.
EPS - Steps to Add Test Coordinator Contacts
2021-22 State Assessment Dates (Updated 7/13/2021)
2020-21 State Assessment Dates(Updated 3/26/2021)
Illinois Science Blueprint Committee Report
Illinois Science Blueprint Board Memo
ISA Performance Levels
ISA Student Roster Report via IWAS
Reason for No Valid Test Attempt (ISA)
Guidance for 15-year-old students with IEPs in Elementary School Districts (Updated 9/9/2021)

Illinois Science Assessment Results

2020

No data due to test cancellation.

2019

2018

2017

2016

2016 State, District & School Performance Results
2016 State, District & School Mean Scale Scores
2016 State, District & School Participation Rates

The 2016 assessment window opened on May 1, 2016, giving some districts limited time to administer the assessment before the conclusion of the school year. In addition, schools that utilized devices running Apple iOS operating systems experienced significant technology issues that required converting to a paper administration. In some places, paper materials did not arrive in time for students to take the assessment before the school year ended. Low participation rates in some schools and districts should not be interpreted as a lack of effort or diligence on their part in light of the obstacles some faced.