Beginning next week (April 27 to May 6), students across Indiana will take the second portion of state ISTEP+ exams that measure academic progress over the past school year.

The spring 2009 ISTEP+ is administered during two testing windows in an effort to return student results faster. The first part, which included essay and short answer questions, was given in March. Part two, which consists of multiplechoice questions, will be given from April 27 to May 6. Check with schools in your area for local testing dates within the statewide administration window.

ISTEP+ test format

The spring test includes multiple-choice and openended questions addressing English/language arts and math at grades 3 through 8, science at grades 4 and 6, and social studies at grades 5 and 7.

The multiple-choice section is the larger portion of the overall ISTEP+ test, accounting for 70 to 75 percent of a student's test score, depending on the grade level and subject area. Results from both portions of the test will be combined for an overall score.

Results

Results for the spring test will be released in August 2009 after passing scores are adopted by the State Board of Education, based upon recommendations made by Indiana educators and testing experts. Results for each year thereafter will be available to students, parents and educators before the end of the school year.

Goal of ISTEP+

The goal of the Indiana Statewide Testing for Education Progress-Plus (ISTEP+) is to measure what students know and are able to do at each grade level in core academic subjects. Based on Indiana's Academic Standards, ISTEP+ provides a learning check-up designed to make sure students are on track and to signal whether they need extra help.

More information

For more information, visit www.doe.in.gov/istep, or call 1-888-54-ISTEP.