During the session, the teachers scored more than 280,000 student responses to short-answer and constructed-response questions, which require students to explain their thought process using words, numbers, and graphics. The questions were developed by a group of 60 Iowa teachers, in conjunction with the ICIIC and curriculum and assessment specialists from Measured Progress. After pilot testing in October 2000, the testing materials underwent a revision process for inclusion in the field test. The results of the field test will provide additional specifics to finalize modifications and achieve suitability of each question for the final ICAM.  

The ICAM will supplement standards-based district-wide assessment systems. In order to meet the state requirements for the use of multiple measures, school districts may choose a variety of modules and combine their results with information from other assessment tools. The modules include multiple-choice, short-answer, and constructed-response questions and can be used to assess student achievement in reading and mathematics at grades 4, 8, and 11. Districts will start to administer the ICAM in spring 2002.