The federal Every Student Succeeds Act requires states to assess their learning standards for English language arts (ELA), mathematics, and science. Each state may also have a general assessment for the majority of its students, and an alternate assessment for the 1 percent of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. ESSA also requires that English learners be assessed in four domains (reading, writing, speaking and listening) each year until they reach proficiency.
Districts are required to complete the Assessment Inventory Survey each year to meet reporting requirements under Illinois School Code 105 ILCS 5/22-82. This survey collects information on all standardized assessments administered to students, specifically those that:
- Measure a group of students in the same manner, using the same items.
- Are scored by an external entity (e.g., Northwest Evaluation Association, Scantron Performance Series, STAR Reading, AP/IB exams, or ACT assessments).
- Are administered either statewide or beyond Illinois
In addition, this year’s survey includes reporting on Early Literacy Screeners for schools serving Grades K-3. Under Illinois School Code 105 ILCS 5/10-20.53a, districts must report:
- Early literacy screeners used, including the skill areas assessed (e.g., reading, math, written expression).
- Screeners administered by grade level.
- Frequency of administration by grade level.
While Early Literacy Screening is optional for 2025-26, it will be required in 2026-27.
The Assessment Inventory Survey can be found at the link here: Assessment Inventory Survey 2025-26
The Assessment Inventory Survey is due by November 20, 2025. To assist districts with completion, a
How-To-Guide is available. Please contact
assessment@isbe.net with questions.
