The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills

The Iowa Statewide Testing Program is a voluntary, non profit cooperative program for Iowa schools provided as a service to the schools by the College of Education of The University of Iowa. The ITBS is used in grades K through 8. Schools participating in the program subscribe to a comprehensive program of professional services: ITBS test materials, scoring and reporting services, and consultation are available throughout the school year. From its beginning in 1935 with the Iowa Every Pupil Tests, the emphasis in the program has been on the use of ITBS results for instructional purposes. To that end, virtually all Iowa school districts-both public and private-have voluntarily participated in this program annually since its inception. For their part, the schools provide assistance to ITP by participating in research projects and test development efforts conducted by Iowa Testing Programs.