What your state tests
Indiana uses ILEARN in grades 3–8 and, in high school, the SAT — Indiana adopted the SAT as its statewide grade-11 assessment (starting 2021–22), replacing the retired ISTEP+. Grade 3 students take IREAD-3 (a reading test tied to promotion). All are run by the Indiana Department of Education and aligned to the Indiana Academic Standards.
Which tests, which grades
- ILEARN (grades 3–8)English language arts and mathematics; science at grades 4 and 6; social studies at grade 5; a Biology end-of-course
- SAT (grade 11)Indiana's statewide high-school assessment, giving students a college-usable score
- IREAD-3A grade-3 reading assessment connected to promotion
- I AM alternate assessmentFor eligible students; WIDA ACCESS for multilingual learners
Format & subjects
ILEARN is online and computer-adaptive with varied item types. The grade-11 SAT follows the national digital SAT format.
Is passing required to graduate?
Through graduation pathways. Indiana does not gate graduation on a single test score. Students earn a diploma by completing course/credit requirements and meeting a graduation pathway — which can include the SAT/ACT, industry credentials, AP/IB/dual credit, a locally-created pathway, and more. The grade-11 SAT provides a college-usable score along the way.
How it's scored
ILEARN reports levels (Below, Approaching, At, and Above Proficiency). The grade-11 SAT is scored 400–1600. IREAD-3 reports pass/did-not-pass for the reading benchmark.
Testing windows
ILEARN and the grade-11 SAT are given in a spring window; IREAD-3 has spring (and summer retest) windows. Exact dates are set by the state and district.
How to prepare
- SAT prep for grade 11Because the state test is the SAT, our SAT guide and free Khan Academy Official SAT Practice apply directly
- ILEARN practiceThe state provides practice tests matching the adaptive online format
- Grade-3 reading supportFor IREAD-3, focus on reading fluency and comprehension early
Participation & opting out
Students in tested grades participate. Ask your district about make-up and retest windows.
Accommodations & multilingual learners
Accommodations follow a student's IEP or 504 plan; eligible students take the I AM alternate assessment. Multilingual learners take WIDA ACCESS.
Accountability & promotion
Results feed Indiana's accountability and school reporting, inform the IREAD-3 promotion policy, and — through the grade-11 SAT and graduation pathways — connect to college readiness and graduation.
Key facts
- Grades 3–8ILEARN (adaptive)
- High schoolSAT in grade 11 (replaced ISTEP+)
- Grade 3IREAD-3 (reading/promotion)
- GraduationIndiana graduation pathways
- AgencyIndiana Dept. of Education
Where to learn more
Confirm current details with the official source and your district: