Unpacking Expectations: Interpreting the IAR & ISA Results
Join ISBE for an interactive professional learning workshop focused on moving beyond
assessment scores to a deeper understanding of what student performance reveals
about learning expectations and opportunities to learn. Rather than focusing solely on
numerical results from the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) and Illinois Science
Assessment (ISA), participants will explore how Illinois' Performance Level Descriptors
(PLDs) can help educators interpret assessment results in terms of the knowledge,
skills, and practices students demonstrate at each performance level.
Developed by Illinois educators and aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards, the PLDs
can serve as a bridge between statewide assessment results and classroom instruction.
Through guided activities and collaborative discussion, participants will examine how
PLDs can be used alongside classroom assignments and tasks, local assessments, and
other sources of student learning to build a more comprehensive understanding of
student achievement and the instructional landscape that helped shape that
achievement.
The workshop will emphasize the role of summative assessment as one source of
evidence within a coherent system of standards, curriculum, instruction, and
assessment. Participants will learn how to interpret IAR and ISA results to reflect on the
learning opportunities that students experienced, identify strengths and gaps in
instructional systems, and consider how curriculum, instruction, and supports can be
refined to better meet the needs of future students.
To maximize impact, districts and schools are encouraged to send educators who are
not only eager to learn but also well-positioned to share their learning with colleagues,
helping build a common understanding of how PLDs can inform practice across
classrooms. Teams are encouraged to bring a minimum of two years of IAR and ISA
reports to support hands-on exploration and discussion. Participants will leave with
practical strategies for using PLDs and assessment evidence to foster meaningful
conversations about student learning, instructional improvement, and alignment to
grade-level expectations.
Multiple locations will be offered, but the materials presented will be the same across
all sessions. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided to attendees.
Registration closes 4 days before the event.
edCount Presenters: Dr. Melissa Fincher & Bill Herrera