ISTEP testing is out and will be replaced with new computerized testing system

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.- There’s a statewide change for student testing along with the end of the ISTEP era. The Indiana Department of Education says a new standardized test called ILEARN will bring better results to classrooms across the Hoosier state.

Advancement in technology mixed with individual assessment, “When you get done you have a test that better reflected where I am struggling and where I am having success and that is the mindset we are trying to take through testing and new assessment,” says Adam Baker, with the Department of Education.

Baker says the idea of personalizing exams brought ILEARN testing to the table.

“One of the things we want to do is make sure we are always accurately representing the success of our schools and our students,” he says.

Given the different learning abilities in students from 3rd through 10th grade, Baker says replacing ISTEP with ILEARN is the best option.

“We are going to have a much better picture of each individual student where they are succeeding and where they are struggling,” says Baker.

The total cost for this American Institutes for Research testing is $43 million, which will be divided up on a yearly basis.

Baker says those who had boots on the ground were the ones who influenced the decision to remove ISTEP.

“What are you seeing with your students and where could we better assess and address our student needs. These conversations have been going on for a while,” says Baker.

ISTEP will continue until spring of 2018. The start of 2018-19 school year will start implementing ILEARN.

“As a state we are very excited about where this assessment is going to go and where it can lead,” says Baker.