Illinois's state writing assessment, rubric by rubric
IAR (Illinois Assessment of Readiness) is the state's summative ELA and mathematics assessment for grades 3 to 8. The writing component is delivered through Prose Constructed Response (PCR) items embedded in three task types, the Research Simulation Task (RST), the Literary Analysis Task (LAT), and the Narrative Writing Task (NT).
IAR adopted the PARCC scoring framework when Illinois transitioned from PARCC administration in 2019. The same six rubrics published by ISBE are applicable to PARCC administrations from 2015 through 2018 as well. The construct framework, score-point language, and rule that the reading dimension is not scored for narratives all carry over.
Every IAR rubric is scored on two constructs. RST and LAT share a combined Reading Comprehension and Written Expression construct, which folds analysis, organization, evidence use, and style into a single trait. NT drops the reading dimension because reading is not scored for elicited narrative stories. All PCRs add a Knowledge of Language and Conventions construct on a tighter scale. Total possible points vary by grade band, the Reading Comprehension and Written Expression construct uses 0 to 3 at grade 3 and 0 to 4 at grades 4 to 8.
The six Illinois IAR writing rubrics
IAR uses the same construct framework PARCC originated. Every Prose Constructed Response (PCR) is scored on two constructs. Research Simulation Task (RST) and Literary Analysis Task (LAT) share a combined Reading Comprehension and Written Expression construct. The Narrative Task (NT) drops the reading dimension because reading is not scored for elicited narrative stories. All PCRs add a Knowledge of Language and Conventions construct on a tighter scale.
Grade 3 students read a passage (or passages) and write a prose response that demonstrates comprehension and effective written expression. Scored on Reading Comprehension and Written Expression (0 to 3) and Knowledge of Language and Conventions (0 to 3).
Grade 3 students develop a narrative with appropriate narrative elements. Scored on Written Expression (0 to 3) and Knowledge of Language and Conventions (0 to 3). The reading dimension is not scored for elicited narrative stories.
Grades 4 and 5 students analyze the source text and write a prose response. Scored on Reading Comprehension and Written Expression (0 to 4) and Knowledge of Language and Conventions (0 to 3).
Grades 4 and 5 students develop a narrative using grade-appropriate narrative elements. Scored on Written Expression (0 to 3) and Knowledge of Language and Conventions (0 to 3).
Grades 6 to 8 students develop a claim or topic using text-based evidence and an effective style. Scored on Reading Comprehension and Written Expression (0 to 4) and Knowledge of Language and Conventions (0 to 3).
Grades 6 to 8 students develop a narrative with grade-appropriate narrative elements and an effective style. Scored on Written Expression (0 to 4) and Knowledge of Language and Conventions (0 to 3).
How IAR scores writing
Every IAR writing rubric scores responses on two constructs. The first construct (Reading Comprehension and Written Expression on RST and LAT, or Written Expression alone on Narrative) describes the substance of the response, comprehension, development, organization, evidence, and clarity. The second construct (Knowledge of Language and Conventions) covers command of standard English conventions and is scored on a tighter scale.
Scored 0 to 3 at grade 3 and 0 to 4 at grades 4 to 8 for RST and LAT. The descriptors fold five elements into one construct, comprehension accuracy, appropriateness to task and audience, reasoning supported by text-based evidence, organization and coherence, and use of language to clarify ideas. At grades 6 to 8, an effective style is added to the construct.
Scored 0 to 3 at grade 3 and grades 4 to 5, and 0 to 4 at grades 6 to 8. Narrative responses are scored on the development of narrative elements (establishing a situation, sequencing events, describing scenes and people, developing characters, using dialogue), organization and coherence, and use of language. The reading dimension is not scored for elicited narrative stories.
Scored 0 to 3 across every IAR rubric. Covers mechanics, grammar, and usage at an appropriate level of complexity. Top score allows a few minor errors as long as meaning is clear; bottom score covers frequent and varied errors that impede understanding.
Common questions about Illinois IAR writing
What is the IAR writing rubric?
How many constructs does each IAR rubric score?
How are IAR points distributed across grade bands?
How is the IAR Narrative Task different from RST and LAT?
Is IAR the same as PARCC?
Is this rubric the official version from ISBE?
Where can I find the source document?
Does EnlightenAI auto-score with these rubrics?
Score Illinois IAR writing in EnlightenAI
Train EnlightenAI on any of the six official IAR Prose Constructed Response rubrics and start scoring student writing, with consistent per-construct feedback, in a single class period.