The Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) is an observational tool designed to help teachers, administrators, families, and policymakers better understand the developmental readiness of children entering kindergarten.​ KIDS is completed by all kindergarten teachers prior to the 40th day of school.

The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is the state assessment and accountability measure for Illinois students enrolled in a public school district. IAR assesses the Illinois Learning Standards incorporating the Common Core and will be administered in English language arts and mathematics to all students in grades 3-8 typically in early April.

​In compliance with federal testing requirements, Illinois schools administer a science assessment to students enrolled in a public school district in grades 5, 8 and 11. The Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) assessment will be administered in an online format and is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards for Science incorporating the Next Generation Science Standards(NGSS), which were adopted in 2014.

The Dynamic Learning Maps-Alternate Assessment (DLM-AA) is the required state assessment for students, in grades 3-11, with the most significant cognitive disabilities. As determined by the IEP, students with the most significant cognitive disabilities may take the DLM if participation in the state’s regular assessments is not appropriate, even with accommodations. ​

The enrollment of any new student to the district must include a Home Language Survey. Potential  Multi-lingual learners (MLs) must be screened and placed in ML services if they qualify. Additionally, all Multi-lingual learners must take the annual English language proficiency assessment (ACCESS). 

​​​​​Illinois participates in national and international assessments conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics within the U.S. Department of Education. These assessments are designed to assess educational systems, not individual students or schools. A relatively small number of Illinois schools participate in these assessments each year.

The National Assessment of Educational​ Progress (NAEP) has frequently been called "The Nation's Report Card." It is the only national assessment of what America's students know and can do in various subject areas. NAEP is useful because it provides a snapshot of how Illinois students compare to students in other states. State tests can’t do this because different states use different tests. NAEP assessments require 90-120 minutes to administer.

Each year, the National Department of Education, notifies school districts if they have been selected to administer NAEP.