Mercer County Junior High
I.S.A.T.
Information for Parents
I.S.A.T. Preparation
• Ensure students are here every day and on time
• Ensure students are completing their assignments
– Going over Math, Science and Reading Vocabulary
– Looking over assignments prior to being turned in
– HIGHLY ENCOURAGE students to read for at least 15
minutes a night
• Ensure they get enrolled in an after school
program
I.S.A.T. Preparation
• During testing:
– Ensure student get enough sleep
– Ensure student get to school on time
– Ensure student gets a good breakfast
– Ensure student comes to school with a positive
attitude
Reading Skills for Parents to
Work with Students
• Read for at least 15 minutes a night with
student
– Read a variety of reading materials ranging from
newspapers, magazines, and books (TIP: Try to
find something that interests the student).
• Ask questions to check for comprehension,
predicting, main idea, or vocabulary
Subjects Areas Tested on I.S.A.T.
• All grades will be tested in Reading and Math
• Science will be tested at the seventh grade
level
• Writing will be tested at the eighth grade level
I.S.A.T. Math
• Both 7th and 8th grades will be assessed
• Test Format:
– Multiple Choice
– Short Response
– Extended Response
Math Multiple Choice Samples
Math Extended Response Samples
Math Extended Response Samples
I.S.A.T. Reading & Writing
• Both 7th and 8th grades will be assessed in reading
• Test Format:
– Multiple Choice
– Extended Response
• Only the 8th grade will be assessed for writing
– Scored using a rubric
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Focus
Support/Elaboration
Organization
Conventions
Integration
Reading Multiple Choice Sample
Sharks by Herbert F. Zim
Which of these explains the organizational
pattern of paragraph 3?
A) Cause and effect
B) Sequence
C) Compare and contrast
D) Persuasive
Reading Multiple Choice Sample
The mystery & history of SOAP
By Sharon J. Huntington
In paragraph 9, one end of a molecule of soap is
hydrophilic and one end is hydrophobic. What
does hydro- mean?
A) Agent
B) Grease
C) Water
D) Side
Writing Sample
Your school has adopted an incentive program
that rewards students for straight A’s. Do you
think this is fair? Do you agree or disagree
with this program?
Assignment: Write a persuasive paper stating
your point of view. Is the action taken by your
school fair or unfair? Give reasons and
explanations to support your opinion.
Writing Sample (continued)
Directions
Take a few minutes to plan your paper. Make notes on the other side
of this page.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Decide if you agree or disagree with the school’s incentive
program. Take one position.
Think of reasons to support your opinion.
Organize your ideas carefully.
Manage your time to allow for writing a closing.
After you have planned the paper, begin to write. Finally, proofread
your paper to check for correct sentences, puncuation, and
spelling.
Science Multiple Choice Samples
Resources
• The Illinois State Board of Education provides
resources to anyone interested in knowing
more about the I.S.A.T.
• The website is www.isbe.net
– Click on ISAT – IL Standards Achievement Test
• The website has practice tests, powerpoints
on test preparation, policies, and other
information
Questions?