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.