i-Ready

We have implemented a new diagnostic and instruction tool called i-Ready in grades K-8. This tool is similar to the STAR online assessment tool we used in past years and will be used to assess student learning in reading and math three times throughout the school year. We have fully transitioned from using STAR to i-Ready this year to better support students in meeting the Washington State Learning Standards and to provide teachers with an in-depth analysis of students’ abilities.

Below, you will find information on the program and how we will be using it in the classroom.  

What is i-Ready?

i-Ready is an online program that will help us determine your child’s needs, personalize their learning, and monitor progress throughout the school year. i-Ready allows us to meet your child exactly where they are and provides data for us to increase your child’s learning gains.

The i-Ready Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment that adjusts its questions to suit your child’s needs in reading and math. Each item a student sees is individualized based on their answer to the previous question, therefore, no two students will take the same test. For example, a series of correct answers will result in slightly harder questions, while a series of incorrect answers will yield slightly easier questions. The purpose of this is not to give your child a score or grade, but instead to determine how best to support your child’s learning.

i-Ready Instruction provides students with lessons based on their individual skill level and needs, so your child can learn at a pace that is just right for him or her. These lessons are fun and interactive, and designed to keep your child engaged as they learn. These lessons are not meant to replace a teacher’s classroom instruction, rather they are meant to support teachers in creating targeted lessons based on students’ needs.

You can also learn more about i-Ready by visiting the i-Ready Resources in the menu at the left.


When is the assessment administered?

Fall September 9 - October 9, 2020 (grades 1-8)
Winter January 2021 (grades K-8) - Specific dates to come
Spring May 2021 (grades K-8) - Specific dates to come

How will it be administered?

The i-Ready benchmark assessment is administered online three times a year during an assessment windows that span three weeks. The assessment takes approximately 45 minutes for reading and 45 minutes for math in grades K-5 and 60 minutes for each at grades 6-8. Teachers will administer each online assessment in 15-30 minute chunks throughout the testing window in grades K-5 and 20-40 minute chunks in grades 6-8. To ensure accuracy, engagement, and developmental appropriateness, it is not recommended that the assessments are administered in one sitting.

Classroom assessment schedules will be developed by classroom teachers to have the least amount of impact on classroom instruction. The assessment will be administered by the classroom teacher in the classroom. The only district requirement is that the reading and math assessments are completed by all students within the testing windows.


What does the i-Ready test cover?

  • Reading
    • Phonological Awareness
    • Phonics
    • High-frequency words
    • Vocabulary
    • Comprehension in literature
    • Comprehension in informational texts
  • Math
    • Numbers and operations
    • Algebra and algebraic thinking
    • Measurement and data
    • Geometry

How do I find out how my child did on the assessment?

Every time your child takes the diagnostic assessment, your child's teacher may choose to send you a report. Please note that the diagnostic assessment's main purpose is to help teachers guide individualized student instruction, so they may decide not to distribute the report. Parents may ask for a copy of this report at any time if one is not distributed, however. Your child may also be able to view his or her score online in their "Completed Work" section in "My Progress." Parents are encouraged to check in with their child's teacher to discuss progress toward goals, placement levels, and proficiency. 


Can my child access i-Ready at home?

If your child has internet access at home and a device that meets the technical requirements to utilize i-Ready, he or she is able to log in at home and work on online lessons. Some schools limit students' access to i-Ready outside of school hours, so please check with your child's teacher to learn more about using i-Ready at home. Your child should NOT complete assessments at home.


Why was the STAR assessment replaced with i-Ready?

The i-Ready reading and math assessment is better aligned with the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) scoring and gives teachers a more accurate prediction of how students will score on the SBA. Replacing STAR with i-Ready allows teachers to have an understanding of learners' needs specific to the Washington State Learning Standards, which are assessed through the SBA.


Answers to additional FAQs can be found here.