Illinois students take the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) in ELA and math in grades 3–8, and the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA) in grades 5 and 8. All of these are given in spring. High school testing uses ACT products rather than a state-built test.
High school: Illinois uses ACT products: PreACT 9 Secure in grade 9, PreACT Secure in grade 10, and the ACT with Writing in grade 11 (Mar 23–Apr 30, 2027).
K–2: There is no state K–2 test; the Kindergarten Individual Development Survey (KIDS) is an observational survey in the first 40 days of kindergarten.
Testing calendar
2026–27 testing windows
—DAYS
until IAR (Online) opens on March 1, 2027.
AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJun
IAR3–8
OnlinePaper-based
ISA5 and 8
Spring test
Today
Dates from the state’s published 2026–27 schedule. Districts set their own days inside each window.
What’s new for 2026–27
What changed this year
New
Illinois now uses four unified performance levels (Above Proficient, Proficient, Approaching, Below) across the IAR, ISA and ACT, first applied to 2025 results.
Every workbook in the series, plus 10,000+ resources
Every test prep workbook is included — print it or play it. One membership covers your whole year: test prep in the spring, everything else all year long.
Every test prep workbook — Printable PDF + Interactive
No. Our workbooks are independent practice resources with original questions. They're aligned to each state's published test design, but they are not official test materials and aren't affiliated with any state or test publisher.
How do I know a workbook matches this year's test?
Each state page shows the date we last checked the state's official sources. We re-check every state each summer and update the workbooks whose test changed.
Can I use a workbook with my whole class?
Yes. A purchase covers one teacher and their own students. To share with every teacher in a school, choose the School License.
What’s the difference between the editions?
The Printable PDF prints for your class. The Interactive Workbook is the same workbook online — self-checking, with read-aloud, on interactive whiteboards, touch panels, Chromebooks and tablets. The Bundle gives you both. The School License covers both for one school. Paperbacks are sold on Amazon once each one is available. Members get the Printable PDF and the Interactive Workbook of every workbook.
Have Fun Teaching test prep workbooks are independent, supplemental practice resources. PreACT® is a registered trademark of ACT Education Corp., which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT Education Corp., which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this product. IAR, ISA and PreACT 9 are named only to identify the tests these workbooks prepare students for; test names belong to their owners. Have Fun Teaching, LLC is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Illinois State Board of Education or any test publisher. Not an official test. No score or result is guaranteed.
Testing information was checked against official Illinois sources on the date above. States can change tests and dates at any time — see the official links for the latest.
