Baylor TIP Assessment Resources
What is an Above-Level Assessment?
Baylor TIP uses above-level testing to help identify students who are capable of performing multiple grade levels above their current age and grade level. A high ceiling is needed to measure high capacity.
Qualification Criteria
Students qualify to take our above-level assessment through any one of three avenues:
- score in the top 25% on one or more subtest of a state or national standardized exam (local norms are recommended but not required),
- be formally identified as gifted or talented by a district, or
- be recommended by a teacher, administrator, and/or parent.
Baylor's IAR Tests
| Grade Level | Assessment |
| 4-6 | IAR 8/9 |
| 7+ | IAR |
The Indicator of Academic Readiness (IAR) is an assessment of the knowledge and skills that are predictive of success in post-secondary education. Specifically, the IAR measures knowledge and skills in the following domains: mathematics, science, reading, and writing.
Overview:
- Standard Audience: High School Juniors and Seniors
- Baylor TIP Audience: 7th graders and up
- There are 4 sections, 210 questions and it is an online format. It measures readiness in math, science, reading and writing.
Two Sections:
Math & Science: Math (74%) and Science (26%)
(Math 44 questions) Math Tested Content: algebra, data analysis, geometry, trigonometry.
(Science 16 questions) Tested Content: reading graphs, tables, & schematics, understanding complex data, evaluating conclusions & hypotheses, making generalizations, deductions, & predictions.
Reading, Writing & Vocabulary: Reading (40%), Writing (50%), and Vocabulary (10%)
(20 questions) Reading Tested Content: comprehension and analysis
(25 questions) Writing Tested Content: grammar and writer's craft
(5 questions) Vocabulary Tested Content: analogies, science completions and words in context
The Indicator of Academic Readiness 8/9 (IAR 8/9) aligns with the IAR to assess students’ progress toward college readiness at the end of middle school. Similar to the IAR, the IAR 8/9 measures knowledge and skills in the domains of mathematics, science, reading, and writing.
Overview:
- Standard Audience: 8th and 9th graders
- Baylor TIP Audience: 4th-6th graders
- There are 4 sections, and it is an online format. It measures readiness in math, science, reading and English. The IAR 8/9 does NOT test Algebra II or Trigonometry.
Download the Test Manual for more information
REGISTER AN INDIVIDUAL STUDENT
Were you looking for information about group registration?
Go to Group Assessment Registration
Scoring the IAR
Raw scores on the IAR are converted to scaled scores on a 500-point scale. Students earn a score (0-500) on Math/Science and a score (0-500) on Reading/Writing. A student’s total score is the sum of the two scaled scores. Thus, the total score range of the IAR is 0 to 1000.
Scoring the IAR 8/9
Raw scores on the IAR 8/9 are converted to scaled scores on a 400-point scale. Students earn a score (0-400) on Math/Science and a score (0-400) on Reading/Writing. A student’s total score is the sum of the two scaled scores. Thus, the total score range of the IAR 8/9 is 0 to 800.
View the following resources to help understand what to expect after testing.
Technical Requirements for Online Testing
How should I prepare?
Once you have registered for the IAR or the IAR 8/9, you will receive access to a short set of practice questions. While not a full-length test, these practice questions will help you become familiar with the system and the assessment format. Remember: you are NOT expected to know all of the material in the assessment!
If you prefer additional preparation, you can purchase a full-length practice test. Most students will use the practice test as their only preparation. However, if you are interested in further study materials, Knowsys has compiled some preparation materials that are available in their online store. Additionally, districts can bulk purchase practice tests from Baylor TIP. Districts may also inquire about staff training materials and bulk purchase of preparation materials from Knowsys by contacting Dr. Sheila Griffith.