Testing
Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) Schedule in Grades 3-5.
|
5th Grade |
May 3, 2023 | Science - WCAS |
|---|---|---|
| May 4, 2023 | English Language Arts - Performance Task | |
| May 5, 2023 | English Language Arts - Computer Adaptive Test | |
| May 9, 2023 | Mathematics - Performance Task | |
| May 10, 2023 | Mathematics - Computer Adaptive Test | |
|
4th Grade |
May 11, 2023 | English Language Arts - Performance Task |
| May 12, 2023 | English Language Arts - Computer Adaptive Test | |
| May 16, 2023 | Mathematics - Performance Task | |
| May 17, 2023 | Mathematics - Computer Adaptive Test | |
| 3rd Grade | May 18, 2023 | English Language Arts - Performance Task |
| May 19, 2023 | English Language Arts - Computer Adaptive Test | |
| May 23, 2023 | Mathematics - Performance Task | |
| May 24, 2023 | Mathematics - Computer Adaptive Test |
Make-ups for All Grades: Mondays and May 25 – Friday, June 2
How can I help my child?
- Prioritize attendance and make sure your child is not rushed getting to school on time
- Ask your students how they feel about testing, and offer reassurance or perspective if they have any anxiety around exams
- Offer positive reinforcement through encouragement and praise so your student feels confident
- Support healthy sleep and nutrition
- Keep testing in perspective - assessments guide teachers in their lesson planning and serve as a tool to measure and celebrate student growth
Where can I find additional information about the SBA?
For more information on these assessments families can review online practice tests, sample items and more at SmarterBalanced.org or on the Washington State OSPI State Testing website.
State Testing
Washington students are tested regularly by the state to assess their progress as they move through school. The State Test for elementary school students is the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) for English language arts/literacy (ELA/literacy) and math. In addition to the SBA, students in grades 5, 8 and 11 take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS), which assesses the Washington State 2013 K-12 Science Learning Standards.
Elementary District Assessments
Our comprehensive assessment system includes district-wide assessments throughout the elementary years. These assessments were carefully selected to provide valid, reliable and useful information on the achievement of our students.
Uses of these assessments include the following:
- Informing instruction. Elementary district assessments provide valuable information on the specific skills and learning needs of students, so that their teachers can design instruction to meet the needs of their students.
- Early identification of learning difficulties. Early identification of literacy and math learning difficulties is critical to supporting and accelerating learning and to preventing early problems from becoming more severe over time. Beginning in the 2021-22 school year, Washington State requires screening for weaknesses in literacy skill development that may be associated with dyslexia. Learn more about this screening process within the ISD.
- School Improvement Planning. Assessment information is used by school leadership teams to direct school improvement efforts and build effective, equitable programs that support learning.
Elementary District Assessments include the following:
i-Ready Reading & Math Assessments
Used in Kindergarten through 5th grade, i-Ready Assessment provides information that empowers teachers with a deeper knowledge of their students’ needs. Based on research into assessment design and backed by extensive validity evidence, i-Ready assessments provide information teachers meaningful, actionable insights into students' skill proficiencies and learning needs to empower differentiating instruction.
Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment (F&P)
The Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment provides accurate and reliable tools to identify the instructional and independent reading levels of all students and document student progress through one-on-one formative and summative assessments.
WaKIDS
WaKIDS is a state-wide program designed to welcome children and their families to kindergarten and the K-12 system as partners in their child’s education. Beginning in school year 2016-2017 all Issaquah School District elementary schools will participate in the WaKIDS program. WaKIDS is required for schools that receive state funds for full-day kindergarten.