ISAT Mathematics testing beginning in spring 2006 will consist of 30 norm-referenced items, as well as 45 criterion-referenced items, some of which will be used for developmental purposes. e 30 norm-referenced items are an abbreviated form of the Stanford 10 Mathematics Problem Solving assessment, developed by Harcourt, Inc. e 45 criterion-referenced items are all written by Illinois educators and pilot tested with Illinois students. Item Formats All 75 items are aligned to the Illinois Mathematics Assessment Framework, which defi nes the elements of the Illinois Learning Standards that are suitable for state testing. Multiple-choice items require students to read, refl ect, or compute and then to select the alternative that best expresses what they believe the answer to be. is format is appropriate for quickly determining whether students have achieved certain knowledge and skills. Well-designed multiple-choice items can measure student knowledge and understanding, as well as students’ selection and application of problem-solving strategies. A carefully constructed multiple-choice item can assess any of the levels of mathematical complexity from simple procedures to sophisticated concepts. ey can be designed to reach beyond the ability of students to “plug-in” alternatives or eliminate choices to determine a correct answer. Such items are limited in the extent to which they can provide evidence of the depth of students’ thinking.