Idaho AssessmentsIdaho’s comprehensive assessment system begins with kindergarten and continues through high school. The focus of the state assessment program is primarily on math, reading, and language usage skills. Below are reports on student performance for each of the state and federally required tests, other assessments, and voluntary college entrance exams. This is a 10-minute assessment of early reading skills. All pupils in kindergarten, first grade, second, and third grade are tested in the fall, winter, and spring. The most recent results are from Fall 2006 and show:
 Idaho Direct Math Assessment (DMA)Students in grades 4, 6, and 8 take this timed assessment in late November each year. The DMA is a performance assessment that requires students to show their work. The most recent results were released April 2006 and show:
73% of 4th graders proficient and advanced Idaho Direct Writing Assessment (DWA)Students in grades 5, 7, and 9 take this timed assessment in late November each year. The DWA is a performance assessment that requires students to show their work. The most recent results were released April 2006 and show:
72% of 5th graders proficient and advanced Idaho English Language Assessment (IELA)Students for whom English is a second language are tested annually to monitor their progress toward mastering English. Idaho piloted the Idaho English Language Assessment in Spring 2006. More information is available at The State Board of Education
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)Every other year, random samplings of fourth- and eighth-graders in each state take the NAEP, a comprehensive reading and math assessment based on national standards. NAEP assesses other subjects periodically. NAEP is the only test that provides consistent data that can be compared across all states. The most recent results show:
Reading 200533% of 4th graders proficient and advanced; U.S. 30% Math 200540% of 4th graders proficient and advanced; U.S. 35% Writing 200222% of 4th graders proficient and advanced; U.S. 27% Science 200529% of 4th graders proficient and advanced; 27% U.S.
Visit the TIMSS Homepage SAT & ACTIdaho's college-bound high school students voluntarily pay to take either or both of these college entrance exams. More Idaho students take the ACT, as it is a requirement for in-state universities and colleges. Many students considering out-of-state colleges also take the SAT. The state only receives statewide score reports. For individual school district data please contact your local school district.
ACTThe most recent results are for the Class of 2006 and show:
English: 20.6 Idaho; 20.6 U.S.Composite 21.4 Idaho; 21.1 U.S.  Measuring College Readiness (The Idaho Graduating Class of 2005) Complete 2005 ACT Idaho ProfileSATThe most recent results are for the Class of 2006.
Math: 545 Idaho; 518 U.S.Visit Educator Resources Homepage Idaho AccountabilityIdaho's comprehensive accountability system focuses on annual monitoring of state and federal goals for increased student achievement. The accountability system creates consequences and rewards for schools and districts based on annual results. High schools students must pass the 10th grade reading, math, and language arts ISAT as one of the state's requirements for graduation.
Idaho Reading InitiativeIn 2001, the Idaho Legislature established goals for schools to reach in improving the reading skills of pupils in kindergarten through third grade ending in 2006 with 85 percent of third graders reading at grade level. The most recent results are for Spring 2006. For a list of schools not meeting state goals visit: Visit the Idaho Reading Indicator Homepage Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) Visit the Adequate Yearly Progress Page Report CardsFederal law requires states, school districts, and schools to produce annual report cards detailing accountability and assessment information and progress toward annual goals. This site includes report cards for the state and districts as well as assessment and accountability information for each school in the state. The site also includes blank templates for schools to use in producing their report cards. Complete state and district school report cards: Reports to the LegislatureEach year, the State Department of Education provides the Idaho lawmakers with a wealth of information about school programs, student academic progress, and finance data to help inform their decision-making.
Current legislative report: www.sde.idaho.gov/mediacenter/legislaturereports/ School AccreditationIdaho's comprehensive method of evaluation of a school's and district's instructional program is done annually through the accreditation process. Complete school accreditation ratings :
School District ProfilesThis site provides a snapshot of staffing, funding, enrollment, and other statistical data for every Idaho school district. Complete district profiles: Visit the District Profiles Page Special EducationEach year, the state monitors school district's progress toward specific academic and other program goals for special education students. Visit the Special Education Homepage |
