What is the ISA?
The ISA assessment program is designed specifically for students in international schools in Grades 3–10. It is based on the internationally endorsed reading, mathematical literacy and scientific literacy frameworks of the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
Note that the ISA is not part of PISA and is not endorsed by the OECD.
Why choose the ISA?
Who uses the ISA?
Around 90 000 students from 400 schools worldwide participated in ISA 2017-18.
ISA information pack
All the information you need about the ISA program in a convenient PDF document.
Administration process
Below is a step-by-step summary of the ISA process.Registration
Register your school online. This is a one-off process to collect general information about your school.Ordering
Once your registration is approved, log in to your account and place your order for paper and/or online testing in either September or February.Preparation
Once orders are closed, the ISA Team will contact your school with details on how to prepare for testing, including uploading student data and creating test sessions. Paper-testing schools will receive materials via courier prior to the testing window.Administration
Administer the tests during the testing window, following the instructions provided in the Administration Handbook. Paper-testing schools return completed materials to ACER in Australia.Reporting
The ISA team will confirm student details are correct at the conclusion of testing. Reports are produced and delivered online to schools in December (for ISA September) or in April (for ISA February).Invoicing
Invoices are emailed to schools after the release of reports.When does ISA testing take place?
Schools may choose ONE of the following dates for the 2018–19 testing cycle.| Test administration | Test format | Test dates | Orders close | Results delivered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2018 | Paper or online | Monday 24 September–Friday 5 October | 24 August | Early December (online) / mid-December (paper) |
| February 2019 | Paper or online | Monday 11 February–Friday 22 February | 18 December | Mid-April (online) / late April (paper) |
Schools may choose ONE of the following dates for the 2019–20 testing cycle.
| Test administration | Test format | Test dates | Orders close | Results delivered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2019 | Paper or online | Monday 23 September–Friday 4 October | 23 August | Early December |
| February 2020 | Paper or online | Monday 10 February–Friday 21 February | 18 December | Mid-April |
How much does it cost?
* Pricing for 2018–19 testing cycleAdditional resources
- Free school access to the ISA Teaching Resources Centre is included with the purchase of all tests packages.
- The Interactive Diagnostic Report is included as standard with any test package.
- The Interactive Tracking Report can be ordered at an additional cost of AU$850.
