Standardized Test Prep in Indiana
If you are a homeschooler in the Hoosier State, it’s important to be familiar with Indiana state testing. Although homeschoolers in the state do not have to participate in standardized testing, many families find that doing so helps them gauge where there children are with respect to their learning as well as identify any gaps in education.
This page will help you learn more about Indiana state testing including tests available in the state, when they are administered, and more.
What State Tests Are Available in Indiana?
Indiana state testing consists of several assessments. The purpose of these assessments is wide-ranging. They help administrators and educators: collect information on student performance, pinpoint problem areas, and improve or develop educational policies and programs.
Below are the state tests administered to students in Indiana.
- ILEARN (Indiana Learning Evaluation Assessment Readiness Network) – This assessment replaced ISTEP in 2018 and is designed to measure student achievement and growth for students in grades 3 through high school. Students in 3rd – 8th grade are tested in math and English language arts (ELA); in 4th and 6th grade, students are tested in science; and in 5th and 7th grade they are tested in social studies. The high school ILEARN assesses students in biology and U.S. government is optional.
- ISTEP + Grade 10 (Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress Plus) – Although the ISTEP for grades 3-8 was replaced by ILEARN, the ISTEP + remains and is administered beginning in grade 10. Students are tested in math and ELA.
- WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessments) – Designed for English learners, this assessment determines a student’s English proficiency levels.
- ISPROUT (Indiana Student Performance Readiness and Observation of Understanding Tool) – This early childhood learning assessment is designed for the youngest of learners and is used to measure social and emotional skills, ELA, mathematics, physical development, science and social studies. ISPROUT is administered to students who are receiving services as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- I AM (Indiana’s Alternate Measure) – This online, stage-adaptive assessment is administered to students with cognitive disabilities in 3rd-8th grades and high school. Students in grades 3-8 and 10 are assessed in math and ELA; in grade 5, they are tested in social studies; and in grade 4 and 6 in science; and lastly in biology while in high school.
- IREAD-3 (Indian Reading Evaluation and Determination) – This online, fixed-form assessment is administered to 3rd grade students to test their foundational reading skills.
All students who attend public, charter, or accredited non-public schools are required to take part in Indiana state testing. For information about opting-out, parents should inquire with their child’s school and/or district.
When is Standardized Testing in Indiana?
Indiana state testing takes place during varying dates throughout the school year. Most assessments have testing windows that can last from several weeks to several months. In addition, some tests, such as the ILEARN biology end of course assessment, are offered during different times of the year depending on when a student has completed the high school biology course.
There are also several dates available during which students can retest, particularly for the ISTEP + grade 10 assessment. Below is a general overview of the assessment windows for Indiana’s current state assessments.
- ILEARN – For grades 3-8, April-May; biology, December, February, April-May
- ISTEP + grade 10 – November – December, February – March, July -August
- WIDA – January – February
- ISPROUT – No traditional testing window since students are assessed with 6 weeks of enrolling in an IEP and within 6 weeks of completing the program.
- I AM – April – May
- IREAD-3 – March – April, May- July
Do Homeschoolers Have To Take Standardized Tests in Indiana?
Homeschooling laws in Indiana do not require homeschoolers to take part in Indiana state testing. Some families still find it beneficial to have their students tested periodically in order to keep track of their progress and become aware of any gaps in education, trouble areas, and also strengths. Parents can arrange for private testing if they choose to have their students assessed.
How Time4Learning Can Help With Indiana Test Prep
Time4learning is an award-winning, comprehensive curriculum that many families use to help prepare their students for Indiana state testing. With the ability to log in 24/7 and work at their own pace, students can prepare for Indiana’s state assessments anytime, anywhere.
Below are just a few ways that Time4Learning can help your child prepare and succeed.
- PreK – 12th grade curriculum helps students prepare for tests beginning with ISPROUT and ILEARN all the way to ISTEP +.
- Flexible, student-paced approach means students can log in and practice on their time, and even redo lessons and retake tests and quizzes to ensure they are ready for Indiana’s assessments.
- Students in elementary can prepare for math testing assessed through ILEARN and I AM with Time4MathFacts, which helps them master crucial math facts and is included with the Time4Learning membership.
- Time4Learning’s comprehensive curriculum teaches math, language arts, science and social studies — subjects tested in most of Indiana’s state assessments.
- As a IBCCES Certified Autism Resource, Time4Learning is ideal for students with special needs who need to practice for some of Indiana’s standardized tests.
- Time4Learning includes state assessment simulations for grades 3 through 8 to help students get hands-on practice.
Through preparation and practice, your child can achieve successful results when taking standardized tests in Indiana. In addition, skill-building programs like Time4Learning can prepare your child and build their academic confidence while reducing test anxiety.
My kids continue to excel with this program
By Jennifer
“Each year, they pass their independent standardized test with flying colors!”
