About the Test - 7th Grade

Each spring 7th graders take a standardized achievement test during regular school hours. Public school students take the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT). Private school students may take the Terra Nova, Stanford or Iowa Test. The ISAT test contains Reading, Math, and Science. Only the Reading and Math scores are used for the high school admissions process.

• Mathematics. Students taking the ISAT are provided with formula sheets and can use calculators. Topics for all 7^th grade exams include:
  • fractions and decimals
  • arithmetic
  • number properties
  • percents
  • units of measurement
  • scientific notation
  • geometry
  • basic algebra
  • inequalities
  • probability
  • ratios & proportions
  • interpretation of graphs
• Math Extended Response (ISAT only). There are two extended response math questions. Extended response math questions are graded on three criteria:
  • The accuracy of the final answer. It must be numerically correct and in the correct units (feet, pounds, etc).
  • The calculations and formulae used in arriving at the answer (how)
  • The test taker's ability to express his/her reasons for choosing the methods and formulae that he/she used (why)

• Reading Comprehension. All 7^th grade students will read both non-fiction and fiction passages in a variety of genres. Test questions include vocabulary development (e.g., words in context and isolation), reading comprehension (e.g., main idea, detail, inference, etc.) and literary structure.
• Reading Extended Response (ISAT only). After reading a passage and answering several questions, students will be expected to complete a mini essay about some aspect of the passage. Evidence from the passage will form the basis of the response. While correct grammar and usage are necessary for a top score, coherent and persuasive composition will be the score's foundation.
• Language. Students taking the ISAT will not be administered a separate language section. Other 7th Grade Standardized Tests do have a separate language section that includes grammar, vocabulary and spelling. These tests do not emphasize the short essay (e.g., extended response) component. SelectivePrep tailors its 7th grade program to meet the needs of students who take any of these exams.

The SelectivePrep program to prepare for the Seventh Grade Standardized Test starts in January.

Test Taking Tips

Some standardized tests have a "guessing penalty" or mechanism that subtracts a portion of the incorrect answers from the correct ones. The Seventh Grade Test has not included such a guessing penalty in the past, and SelectivePrep has no reason to believe it will have one in the future.

Do tell your child to listen carefully to directions on test day. If a penalty for answering a question incorrectly is not mentioned, your child should assume that it doesn't exist.

Unless a guessing penalty is mentioned, your child should never leave a question blank.

Special education students. If your child has a learning issue, make sure that his/her IEP is in place and its accommodations are followed for 7^th grade testing. If this does not happen, you may be eligible for a re-test.

For more test taking tips, click here.