Assessment and Research

 

The Assessment and Research office supports student learning through data collection, data analysis, and data-driven decision making. When interpreted correctly and used in conjunction with other data points, assessment data helps teachers and administrators identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth. This information helps drive student programing and instructional practices to improve teaching and learning for ALL students at Lyons Township High School.

The Office of Assessment and Research oversees the following assessments:

Assessment Name	Purpose	Assessment Window
ACCESS for ELLs	ACCESS for ELLs is a state-required English  language proficiency assessment for all English Language Learners.  Students are assessed in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This test is required by the federal and state government for all EL students in grades 9 -12. Students who have waived EL services are still required to test.	January - February 2025
ACT Assessments	The ACT Assessments comprises the PreACT 8/9, PreACT, and ACT. Students are assessed using the PreACT 8/9 during the spring of their freshman year, the PreACT during the spring of their sophomore year, and the ACT with writing during the spring of their junior year. The PreACT 8/9, PreACT, and ACT are aligned to Illinois Learning Standards in English Language Arts and mathematics. The ACT with writing is a graduation requirement for all Grade 11 students. Students who do not complete the assessment in Grade 11 must test in Grade 12.	April 2025
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams	A standardized assessment that measures student mastery of specific course content. Students who enroll in AP classes are strongly encouraged to take the corresponding AP exam to earn potential college credit.	May 2025
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)	The ASVAB assesses abilities and skills that predict a student’s future success in the military. Scores from this assessment can be used for entrance into the military and to help students find a military job that fits their skill set. The ASVAB is an optional assessment recommended for 11th and 12th graders interested in a military career.	November 2024
Dynamic Learning Maps - Alternate Assessment (DLM-AA)	The Dynamic Learning Maps – Alternate Assessment (DLM-AA) is the alternate English, Mathematics, and Science assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. This assessment is required by the Illinois State Board of Education for students in grades 9 -11 and select grade 12 students.	March - May 2025
FitnessGram	FitnessGram is the physical fitness assessment required by the state of Illinois. It will be administered through Physical Education courses to all students in grades 9 – 12.	Fall 2024 Spring 2025
Illinois Science Assessment	The Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) is the state science assessment for students in grade 11. The ISA is a general science assessment that covers life science, physical science, and earth and space science. Engineering and technology practices are embedded throughout the assessment.	March 2025
NWEA MAP Growth	NWEA MAP Growth is a computer adaptive assessment used to measure student achievement and growth in Reading and Mathematics. Students in English I Prep and all levels of Algebra 1 will complete the assessment three times a year. Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will complete NWEA MAP Growth if they have an IEP goal for reading and/or mathematics achievement.	Fall 2024 Winter 2025 Spring 2025
PSAT/NMSQT	The PSAT/NMSQT is a preliminary SAT that provides students, parents/guardians, teachers, and school staff information about a student’s academic growth. The PSAT/NMSQT is used to identify National Merit Scholars and award merit scholarships. This assessment is administered to all Grade 11 students.	October 2024
SAT	All juniors will have an opportunity to complete an optional SAT as the state of Illinois transitions from the SAT Suite of Assessments to the ACT series.	April 2025

 

College admissions examinations may be required of students who plan to pursue higher education. Both the SAT and the ACT count as college admissions exams. Please consult with your prospective college or university to determine which test (if any) they prefer.

SAT

A student who wishes to take an additional SAT assessment may register at https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/dates-deadlines. LTHS School Code: 142483

The anticipated test dates for the 2024 – 2025 school year are below:

• August 24, 2024*

• October 5, 2024

• November 2, 2024*

• December 7, 2024

• March 8, 2025*

• May 3, 2025*

*LTHS hosts.   

ACT

A student who wishes to take an additional ACT assessment may register at https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html. LTHS School Code: 142483

The anticipated test dates for the 2024 – 2025 school year are below:

• September 14, 2024

• October 26, 2024

• December 14, 2024

• February 8, 2025

• April 5, 2025

• June 14, 2025

• July 12, 2025

Cell phones, smart watches, wireless headphones (airpods), and personal electronic devices of any kind are prohibited in exam rooms AND during breaks. Students who access (touch) a cell phone, smart watch, wireless headphones, or personal electronic device during the test or during a break will be dismissed from testing, their device will be confiscated, and no score or refund will be provided.

Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) should reach out to their 504 case manager or IEP case manager for questions regarding testing accommodations.

Parents/Guardians can assist their students achieve their best performance by doing the following:

• Encourage students to work hard and study throughout the year;

• Ensure students get a good night’s sleep the night before exams;

• Ensure students eat well the morning of the exam, particularly ensuring they eat sufficient protein;

• Remind students and emphasize the importance of good performance on standardized testing;

• Ensure students are on time and prepared for tests, with appropriate materials;

• Teach students the importance of honesty and ethics during the performance of these and other tests;

• Encourage students to relax on testing day.

The Office of Assessment and Research offers different standardized test prep classes. More information can be found here.

The Office of Assessment and Research also supports student perception surveys.

 

Panorama Student Perception Survey

Students and teachers  at Lyons Township High School District 204 will complete a 15-20 minute Panorama Student Perception Survey in the fall and spring of each school year. All participants will answer questions regarding overall school safety, climate, teacher-student relationships, sense of belonging, engagement, rigorous expectations, and diversity and inclusion. 

Equal Opportunity Schools Survey

Students at Lyons Township High School District 204 will complete a Survey in the fall of each school year. Questions on the survey are designed to inquire about future plans, identify trusted adult(s) at LT, measure belonging, determine supports necessary to help students reach their academic goals, determine individual student learning mindsets, and identify barriers to enrollment in higher level courses. 

5Essentials Survey

The 5Essentials Survey identifies five indicators that lead to improved outcomes for all students, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. The five indicators that positively affect school success are: Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environments, and Ambitious Instruction. Students, teachers, and families will complete this survey during the winter of each school year. 

Freshman Preparedness Survey

In the spring of their freshman year, students complete a survey about their transition for junior high/middle school to high school. The survey asks students to report on the junior high experiences and their perceptions on how well they were prepared for high school.