Maximizing the Newest ISBE Tools: A Guide to Performance Level Descriptors, Standards to Success, and Assessment Cut Scores for School and District Teams

Led by members of the ISBE Standards Setting Committee, these sessions will equip educators with the knowledge to navigate the newest ISBE tools, including newly-refined Performance Level Descriptors and Standards to Success for guiding instruction and assessment. Participants will engage in discussions on how these resources can be utilized to support student learning and enhance educational practices across grades 3-12 to best prepare students for IAR, ISA, and ACT. We welcome school teams to attend together if possible to engage in collaborative planning efforts. Presenters are: Rebecca Bielawski, ISBE Standard Setting Committee Grades 3-4 ELA. Rebecca is an Instructional Coach in the North Boone School District. Carrie Brockway, ISBE Standard Setting Committee, Grades 4-5 Math and Grades 3-12 Vertical Alignment Team for IAR, ISA, and ACT. Carrie is the Director of School Support Services, ROE 4. Elizabeth Saveley, ISBE Standard Setting Committee Grades 3-4 Math. Liz is also a teacher, District Mentoring Committee Leader and Mentor, as well as the Union President in the North Boone School District. These presenters were selected by ISBE from over 950 applicants to join the 150 member Standard Setting Committee. In addition, Carrie was part of a group of 36 educators in the state chosen to serve on the Vertical Alignment Committee for IAR, ISA, and ACT. This team translated the work of the Standards Setting Committee grade level teams to the final cut scores recommended to ISBE for approval in August 2025.