ITBS/ITED (Grades 1,2 & 9)

ITBS is the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. It is a norm-reference test given in the spring to all 1st and 2nd graders. This assessment covers reading comprehension and math problem solving. Each session takes about one hour to complete. It is given over two mornings. The majority of the test is read to the students by the teacher and the student marks a picture or a number. The 9th graders take the ITED: Iowa Test of Educational Development. It is also a norm reference test that covers reading, language and math problem solving. Each section requires 30 minutes to an hour and is completed in one morning.    
     
Norm-referenced testing (ITBS and ITED) measures an individual student’s performance to a nationwide group of students. Questions range for easy to advanced. The entire test is multiple choice. This is not the state test, but a nationally normed assessment. Because of this format, a score of 50 percentile means a student is “on grade level”. This scoring can be confusing because we think 50% is failing. The ITBS/ITED scoring is based on percentile not percentage. In the fall of the next school year, parents will receive a brochure containing their child’s scores and an explanation of the scores. A plan called an AIP may be developed to identify skills where a student needs extra support to be successful in school. Since the content and level of questions are not controlled by the state of Arkansas, the ITBS/ITED scores are not part of the district’s test scores for AYP. Questions or concerns about a child’s score on the ITBS/ITED can be directed to the school counselor.

Please contact Linda Payne for more information (501) 843-3363 ext. 1038 or linda.payne@cps.k12.ar.us