The goal of the Kansas assessment program is high student performance on test items derived from the Kansas curricular standards. It is intended that these standards be important components of local curriculum, instruction, and staff development, as well as the focus of state assessment. This alignment is an important part of reaching the goal of higher student performance. The closer the alignment among all components, the more likely that student achievement will rise.
Alignment is a process undertaken at the local level.
In addition, the basic concepts of social studies and science are measured. The purpose of achievement tests is to provide information that can be used in improving instruction and in making educational decisions directly affecting students. Test results are used to supplement, not to replace, teacher judgment. They are used in conjunction with everything else the teacher knows about the student to meet individual instructional needs. The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills are standardized achievement tests that children over the nation have taken.