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ISLAMIC STUDIES STANDARDIZED TESTING
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
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| 1.) Q. What is the Islamic Studies Standardized Test? |
| 2.) Q. What are the Benefits of Implementing Standardized Testing? |
| 3.) Q. What Subjects Does the Test Assess? |
| 4.) Q. Is this Test Based only on IQRA’ Foundation Curriculum? |
| 5.) Q.How Were Test Questions Developed? |
| 6.) Q. Has the Test Been Piloted? |
| 7.) Q. Who is Eligible to Take the Test? |
| 8.) Q. How are Test Scores Reported? |
| 9.) Q. How Should Testing be Scheduled and Administered? |
| 10.) Q. How Much Will Testing Materials and Scoring Cost? |
| 11.) Q. What Does our School Need to do to Participate in the Testing Program? |
| 12.) Q. How Do I Order Testing Materials? |
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1.) Q. 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.
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2.) Q. What are the Benefits of Implementing Standardized Testing?
A.) A standardized test is an instrument that assists schools in:
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Evaluating curriculum effectiveness |
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Evaluating student achievement |
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Tracking student achievement over time |
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Ensuring the transferability of students between Islamic Schools |
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Evaluating Instructional methods and best practice |
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Marketing the school |
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3.) Q. What Subjects Does the Test Assess?
A.)The test assesses four content areas:
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Qur’anic Studies |
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Aqidah, Fiqh and Akhlaq |
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Sirah and Hadith |
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Islamic Social Studies |
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4.) Q. Is this Test Based only on IQRA’ Foundation Curriculum?
| A. No. ISST test questions are not based solely on IQRA’ curriculum. Although, IQRA’ International Educational Foundation has taken the lead on researching, developing, and implementing the program,IQRA’ recognizes and believes in the importance of encompassing diversity and variety of instruction when designing a national assessment. (see question 5 to learn how test questions were developed) |
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5.) Q.How Were Test Questions Developed?
| A.Test questions were derived from the National Islamic Studies Standards(NISS). The standards have been researched, written and approved by the National ISSTCommittee. Standards were createdfor each grade and subsequent content based on core curriculum of four prominent Islamic textbook series and the curricula of major fulltime Islamic Schools across North America. Test questions were then evaluated by Dr. John Wick, of WickPartners, Incand Dr. Denis Jarvinen, of Strategic Measurement and Evaluation. Both ensure that the test is well designed and is highly effective in subjectively measuring individual student achievement relative to set learning standards. |
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6.) Q. Has the Test Been Piloted?
A.Yes. The test has been piloted in 8Islamic day schools:
| Islamic Foundation School, IL |
Universal School, IL |
| MCC Full Time School, IL |
Al-Aqsa School, IL |
| Furqaan Academy, IL |
College Preparatory School of America, IL |
| Islamic School of Irving, TX |
Al-Iman School, NC |
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7.) Q. Who is Eligible to Take the Test?
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A. Students from Grades 2-8 |
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8.) Q. How are Test Scores Reported?
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A. Test distribution and scoring is conducted by a partner company 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 reportby content areas, list of student scores, and an individual student report. |
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Please note: test results are not shared with other schools, educational organizations, or institutions. The data collected from tests is for the personal use of individual schools. However, general data from the results of all schools may be used to help standardize Islamic curricula and strengthen various Islamic resources
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9.) Q. How Should Testing be Scheduled and Administered?
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The ISST consists of 80 multiple choice items (separated into 4 sections) |
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Students will be allotted 1 minuet per question. A total of 80 min. must be allotted to compete tests (this does not include teacher instruction time) |
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Tests do not need to be administered in one sitting |
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A Testing Instructional Manual is provided with materials to assist with test administration |
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10.) Q. 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
- Scoring Cost = $5.oo
A. Returning User:
- Schools can reuse the test booklets for at least 3 years (providing test bookletsare stored safely and securely). Schools will only need to pay $1 (answer sheet cost) and $5 for scoringfor every subsequent year.
*Please Note: Participating schools will need to purchase test booklets for newly enrolled studentsand as test items are revised.
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11.) Q. What Does our School Need to do to Participate in the Testing
Program?
1.) Schedule Test: Include dates on school calendar (optimal test time between Mar. – Apr.)
2.) Order Materials from SMEby February(see order information below)
3.) Train Faculty for Test Administration (Instruction manual included in materials package)
4.) Administer Test
5.) Return Answer documents to SME
6.) Interpret, apply and share data and information with school community
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12.) Q. How Do I Order Testing Materials?
| A Option 1: Fill out order form and fax to SME |
| (fax)217-355-0379 - ATTN: Islamic Studies Standardized Test |
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| A B. Option 2: Place order by phone |
| Call SME 877-782-8269 |
* For assistance with placing orders, scoring or billing:
Call Mona: 877-782-8269
* For questions about test development and content:
Email: tasneema@iqra.org
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