March 5th, 2010

• 1.What is the Islamic Studies Standardized Test?
• 2.What are the benefits of implementing Standardized Testing in school?
• 3.What subjects does the test assess?
• 4.Is this test based only on IQRA’ Foundation Curriculum?
• 5.How were Test Questions Derived?
• 6.Who is Dr. John Wick?
• 7.How has the test been piloted?
• 8.Who is eligible to take the test?
• 9.How are test scores reported?
• 10.How should testing be scheduled?
• 11.How much will testing materials and scoring cost?
• 12.What does our school need to do to participate in the testing program?
• 13.How do I order Testing Materials?

1. What is the Islamic Studies Standardized Test?

A. It is a criterion-referenced test designed to assess the Islamic knowledge of    students.  The test was developed by accredited Islamic educators currently working in the Islamic School System.

2. What are the benefits of implementing Standardized Testing in school?

A. standardized test is an instrument that assists schools in:

• Evaluating curriculum effectiveness
• Evaluating student achievement
• Tracking student achievement over time
• Ensuring the transferability of students between Islamic Schools
• Evaluating Instructional methods and best practice
• Marketing the school

3. What subjects does the test assess?

A. The test assesses four content areas:

a. Qur’anic Studies           c. Aquidah, Fiqh and Akhlaq

b. Sirah and Hadith           d. Islamic Social Studies

4. Is this test based only on IQRA’ Foundation Curriculum?

A. No. The ISST test questions are not based solely on IQRA’ curriculum.  Although, IQRA’ International Educational Foundation has taken the lead on researching, developing, and implementing such a substantial program, IQRA’ recognizes and believes in the importance of encompassing diversity and variety of instruction when designing standardized tests.

5. How were Test Questions Derived?

A. Test questions were derived from a collection of standards especially designed for each grade and subsequent content.  Standards were created based on core curriculum of three prominent Islamic publishing companies and nationally recognized curriculums of major fulltime Islamic Schools in North America. Test questions were then evaluated by Dr. John Wick, of WickPartners, Inc to ensure that the test is well designed and is highly effective in subjectively measuring individual student achievement relative to set learning standards.

6. Who is Dr. John Wick?

A. Data and item analysis for the pilot test program was carried out by Northwestern University professor, Dr. John Wick.  Dr. Wick is the President of WickPartners Inc. and has been published extensively in areas of psychometric, measurements, statistics and school improvement.  He is also the author and primary psychometrician for two nationally standardized testing programs.  As well as a former director of research and education for Chicago Public Schools for over five years and director for research and development for North Central Association for nearly ten years.  For more information on Dr. John Wick visit http://wickpartners.com/N.p.n.d.

7. How has the test been piloted?

A. The test has been piloted in six major Islamic schools in the Chicagoland  area:

Islamic Foundation School           Universal School

MCC Full Time School                   Al-Aqsa School

Furqaan Academy                         College Preparatory School of America

8. Who is eligible to take the test?

A. Fulltime Schools – All Students from Grades 2-8

Weekend Schools – Students in Grades 2, 4, 6, & 8 only

A. Fulltime Schools — students will be tested as followed:

.

Grade 2:  All four content areas tested

Grades 3, 5, and 7:  Qur’an and Sirah

Grades 4, 6 and 8:  Aquidah, Fiqh Akhlaq and  Islamic Social Studies

A. Weekend Schools will take all four content areas in grades 2, 4, 6, and 8

Tests will be a different form those of fulltime schools

9. How are test scores reported?

A. Due to a large volume of participants, test distribution and scoring will be conducted by Strategic Measurement and Evaluation, Inc (SME)—a partner of Riverside Publishing. Scores are reported in percentile ranking, percent correct and national averages. Participating schools will be provided with a building/grade summary report by content areas, list of student scores, and an individual student report.

District 786 would like to remind teachers and administrators that each school’s test results will not be shared with other schools, educational organizations, or institutions.  The data collected from tests is for the personal use of each school as it sees fit.  However, general data from the results of all schools may be used to help standardize Islamic curriculum and strengthen related textbooks.

10. How should testing be scheduled?

• The Test should be coordinated with the school’s standardized testing period
• However, all testing must be completed by May 20, 2010
• The Islamic Standardized Tests are timed tests
• Each level consists of 60 multiple choice items
• Total administration time will vary between 1 – 2 hours based on grade level
• Tests do not need to be administered in one sitting (can be administered by section) Weekend Schools should complete test within one day.

11. How much will testing materials and scoring cost?

A. Participating schools must order one Test Booklet and one Answer Document for each student.

A. First Time Test Users Material Cost:

– Test Booklet cost = $4.00 per student

– Answer Sheet cost = $1.00 per student

A. Returning User:

– Schools will only need to pay $1 (answer sheet cost) for every subsequent year.

– Schools can reuse the test booklets for at least 3 years (providing test booklets are stored safely and securely).

*Please Note: Participating schools will need to purchase test booklets for newly enrolled students and as test content is revised.

A. Scoring services include a building/grade summary, class list report of scores and a student report. After grading and statistical analyses are complete, student reports will be mailed to schools. Scoring expenditure is $5.00 per student.

12. What does our school need to do to participate in the testing program?

1.)           Contact District 786

Samana Khan: 847. 673. 4072 Ex. 233

samanaiqra@gmail.com (quickest method of communication)

Farisa Hussain: 847.673. 4072 Ex. 229

2.)           Schedule the Test- Include testing dates  on the school calendar

3.)           Order and Pay for Materials and Scoring from SME before April 26, 2010

Note: to ensure a smooth process, it is best for schools to order materials as early as possible.

(see order information below)

4.)           Train Faculty for Test Administration

5.)           Administer Test

6.)           Pack and Mail answer documents as per SME instructions: (see address below)

Note: SME will provide administrative instructions within testing shipment

7.)           Mail Answer Documents to SME before June, 1, 2010

8.)           Interpret, apply and share data and information with school community

13. How do I order Testing Materials?

A. To order test materials and scoring, please complete the Strategic Measurement and Evaluation Order Form found on IQRA’ website:

ISST Order Form can be found by on IQRA’ Website by clicking on:

Dist. 786 Educational Services >> Standardized Testing >> ISST Order Form

Upon completing the ISST Order from, please submit to SME by

(fax) 217-355-0379 – ATTN: Islamic Studies Standardized Test

Or Mail Order Form To:

Strategic Measurement and Evaluation, Inc.

ATTN: Islamic Studies Standardized Test Series

701 Devonshire Drive, Suite B-14

Champaign, Illinois 61820

For assistance needed in placing an order, please contact:

Strategic Measurement and Evaluation: 877-782-8269 or District 786 (see contact info above)