Dear Mediapolis School District 3rd -11th grade parents/guardians,
Get Ready–it’s time to shine! This month, our incredible students in grades 3-11 will take the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP), a chance to show just how much they’ve grown, learned, and achieved this year.
What’s the ISASP all about?
Think of the ISASP as a spotlight moment–a snapshot of your child’s reading, math, and science skills aligned with Iowa’s high standards. It’s not just a test; it’s a springboard for their future success, helping us see where they are soaring and where we can lift them even higher. The results of this assessment will provide valuable insights into your child's academic progress and areas for improvement, guiding us in tailoring their education for maximum growth. From April 22nd through May 9th, our classrooms will buzz with energy as students tackle the challenges with confidence and skills we know they’ve been building all year long.
All stakeholders use student assessment results to make program, professional development, and instructional decisions—the data used for district accreditation and federal reporting.
Assessments will be administered in the following subjects and grade levels:
Mathematics: Grades 3–11
English-Language Arts, including reading and writing: Grades 3–11
Science: Grades 5, 8, and 10
Schedule
We have worked diligently to follow the guidelines/expectations the Iowa Testing Program indicated for implementing the tests with fidelity and following the testing requirements. Please access our district schedule here.
Absences
If a student is ill, has an appointment, or is absent at the time of testing, they can complete the test on a makeup day when they are in attendance. This ensures that all students have a fair chance to demonstrate their skills and knowledge.
Students who have an appointment scheduled during the testing session will not begin the test until they have returned to school from the appointment and have enough time to complete it.
Administrators will work closely with teachers and students to schedule a convenient time for them to take the test, ensuring minimal disruption to their regular school routine.
What Students Should Bring
A pen or pencil is needed to sign the test ticket and take notes on scratch paper.
Book to read or work on when finished with the test. Once students finish the test, they cannot use Chromebooks.
Reminder: Cell phones and SMART watches are not allowed. Thank you for leaving them in your locker. If you forget to leave your cell phone or SMART watch in your locker, your teacher or test proctor will keep it until the testing session is complete.
Tips for Success
Get a good night’s sleep.
Eat a good breakfast.
The school cafeteria will close promptly at 8:10 a.m. to give students enough time to move to their test areas.
Be on time!
Throughout the year, students at Mediapolis engage in lessons that help them develop the skills, knowledge, and abilities outlined in the Iowa Core Standards. This work prepares them to take assessments such as the ISASP. To further prepare your students, we encourage you to have them attempt practice problems provided by Pearson Access Next. These practice tests, which can be accessed via the Test Preparation link, are designed to familiarize students with the content of the assessments and the operation of the online testing platform. All students will take at least one practice assessment at school, but additional practice at home can further boost their confidence and readiness.
We appreciate your partnership and are fully committed to ensuring your child's success in the upcoming assessments. Please do not hesitate to contact your school or my office if you have any questions or concerns–we’re here to support you and your child every step of the way.
Sincerely,
Dr. Adam Magliari