All About ISASP Testing
Drexler Middle School
The Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) is the annual state assessment given to students in grades 3–11 across Iowa. The assessment measures student learning in reading, writing, mathematics, and science and is aligned with the Iowa Core, which outline what students are expected to learn at each grade level.
Students take the assessment online and respond to a variety of question types, including multiple choice, short answer, and constructed responses. These questions are designed to measure how well students can apply their learning, think critically, and explain their understanding.
ISASP results are reported at the individual, school, district, and state levels. This information allows schools and districts to look at trends over time, evaluate programs, and ensure learning experiences are meeting the needs of students. Parents also receive an individual student report that provides insight into how their child performed in each tested area.
The assessment is one of several tools used to better understand student progress and support continuous improvement in teaching and learning.
Next week, our middle school students will begin taking the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP). While this is a state assessment required for all Iowa students, it also serves an important purpose for our students, our school, and our district.
ISASP provides a snapshot of how students are progressing in key academic areas such as reading, writing, math, and science. The results help educators better understand what students have learned and where additional support or opportunities for growth may be needed. This information helps guide instruction, identify areas of strength, and ensure students continue moving forward in their learning.
Just as importantly, ISASP gives students the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have been building throughout the year. When students approach the assessment with effort and confidence, it helps create the most accurate picture of their learning.
At our middle school, we believe students do their best when they feel supported and encouraged by the adults around them. Our staff has been preparing students by helping them understand what to expect and encouraging them to approach the assessment with a positive mindset.
Our goal is simple: we want every student to walk into testing feeling prepared, supported, and ready to show what they know.
At Drexler Middle School, we want students to feel confident and prepared when they take the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP). Throughout the weeks leading up to testing, teachers intentionally help students become familiar with the format, tools, and expectations of the assessment.
📱Practice the Tools
Students complete the ISASP Student Readiness Tool through the Pearson testing platform. This allows them to practice using the same digital tools they will see during the real assessment, such as highlighting text, using the calculator, and navigating different question types.
📝Take Practice Tests
Students also complete practice tests in English Language Arts, Math, and Science. These practice items help students experience the types of questions they may see on the assessment and give teachers an opportunity to review strategies such as identifying key words in questions, breaking down multi-step problems, and explaining answers.
🎯Goal Setting and Reflection
Students review their previous ISASP scores and complete a pre-test reflection and goal-setting activity. This helps students set personal goals, think about strategies that help them succeed, and focus on showing their best effort during testing.
Our goal is not just to prepare students for a test, but to help them feel comfortable, confident, and ready to show what they know.
During ISASP testing week, you might notice a little extra excitement around Drexler—and that’s by design! Our goal is to create a positive, encouraging environment so students feel confident and ready to show what they know.
⭐ Leadership Students Lead the Way
Our Leadership students helped bring the hype by decorating windows, chalking the sidewalks, and sharing inspirational messages on the TVs throughout the building. Their creativity helps fill the school with positivity and Bobcat pride.
🍎 Thank You, PTO!
A big thank you to our PTO for providing snacks on the first day of testing and mints to help keep students’ thinking sharp.
🎶 Starting the Day Strong
Before testing begins, students are welcomed with music in the hallways to help energize the start of their day.
👏 Encouragement from Staff
Teachers and staff line the hallways with high fives, fist bumps, place encouraging notes on desks, and share positive words to remind students that we believe in them and their hard work.
At Drexler, we want students to know that ISASP is simply an opportunity to show what they’ve learned this year. We are proud of their effort and the growth they continue to make every day.
