Note: the PARCC Practice Pack is NOT included in our Premium Membership.

PARCC Test Illinois

The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers(PARCC) is a state assessment that measures Illinois students enrolled in public school districts. 

Illinois employs the PARCC to measure students' ability to understand and reason rather than memorize facts and others' interpretation of said facts. The PARCC also aims to advance accountability and help teachers spot students in need of extra practice. The PARCC Math test requires students to express mathematical reasoning and mathematical principles to solve real-world problems and construct mathematical arguments. The PARCC ELA test assesses students' ability to comprehend a range of complex texts independently as well as to write effectively using coherent language and clear reasoning.

The PARCC is administered in both English Language ARTS and Mathematics to all Illinois students grades 3 to 8.

PARCC Scores Illinois

The PARCC reports are sent directly to schools. There are two separate reports for the Mathematics and the ELA sections.

The students are given a a standardized score between 650 and 850. PARCC score reports sort the scores into five different performance levels regarding the student Readiness for the next grade:

  • Level 1 – The student did not yet meet expectations. Represented by a down arrow.
  • Level 2 – Partially met expectations. Represented by a down arrow.
  • Level 3 – Approached expectations. This is the minimum score students need to achieve to pass the PARCC. Represented by a bidirectional arrow.
  • Level 4 – Met expectations. Students who performed at level 4 and above have demonstrated readiness for the next grade level/course and, eventually, college and career. Represented by an up arrow.
  • Level 5 – Exceeded expectations. Represented by an up arrow.

The reports also presents the school, district and state average ,which can be compared to the student score.
In addition, each report includes ​Performance by Reporting Category: The ELA section has two categories - Reading and Writing. PARCC Reading scale scores range from 10 to 90, while PARCC Writing scale scores range from 10 to 60.

How PARCC Scores Affect Students in Illinois

Currently, PARCC scores have no immediate consequences for schools or students. The data is used to measure growth and determine cut scores for performance levels. Some colleges, however, are working toward accepting PARCC assessment scores as one of their placement tools and readiness determiners for college-level courses.

PARCC scores are used to identify areas of strength and weakness. Teachers may use this knowledge to offer students the extra practice and instruction they need to be successful. Parents can also use this information to coordinate a plan with a student's teachers to help him or her improve. Read more about the PARCC scores

Tips to Prepare for the PARCC Test

The PARCC test is very demanding. Here are some tips that will help you cope up with the hard work ahead:

  1. Pearson Practice Tests: The tests at dc.mypearsonsupport.com/practice-tests/ are available either as computer-based tests or paper-based test and they offer a good way to familiarize yourself with the test. This site offers sample tests suitable to grade 3 to grade 11, which use the same format for the actual test. 
  2. Consult Teachers: The PARCC topics are mostly covered by the curriculum. Prior to the test, you should consult your child's teachers and learn more about your child's weakness and strength and on which subjects he/she should put more effort. 
  3. Get a Good Night sleep: Studying for tests can put a lot of stress on the student. Sleep deprivation, other than making you tired, also hurts concentration and the ability to focus. While studying to the PARCC make sure to sleep well and get that well deserved sleep.
  4. Study Food: Junk food and sugary food tend to give us a short burst of energy followed by tiredness. Avoid unhealthy food and plan your meals. In between, you can enjoy fruits that will keep your appetite in check and your brain powered up!
  5. Plan Your Studying: The PARCC covers various different subjects. In order to make sure you have time to rehearse every subject and be ready on time, you should plan your studying time effectively. Make an organized study plan that allows you to study with no time pressure while covering the study material.
  6. Exercise: While crammed into books it is easy to forget our brains need some rest too. Take the opportunity to work out to improve your mood and give you energy. 

PARCC Practice Pack - Online

The PARCC tests assess students' understanding of taught material rather than superficial facts. Students are asked to apply mathematical reasoning and to analyze texts to solve problems, a thought process that requires practice to master. Since the PARCC plays a significant role in influencing your child's future, it is vital to spend time preparing for it. 

The PARCC and other trademarks are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of the trademark holders are affiliated with TestPrep-Online or this website.

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