Testing
Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) Schedule in Grades 3-5.
|
3rd & 5th Grade |
May 9, 2024 | English Language Arts - Performance Task |
|---|---|---|
| May 10, 2024 | English Language Arts - Computer Adaptive Test | |
| May 13, 2024 | Mathematics - Performance Task | |
| May 14, 2024 |
Mathematics - Computer Adaptive Test |
|
| May 16, 2024 | 5th Grade only Science - WCAS | |
|
4th Grade |
||
| May 16, 2024 | English Language Arts - Performance Task | |
| May 17, 2024 | English Language Arts - Computer Adaptive Test | |
| May 20, 2024 | Mathematics - Performance Task | |
| May 21, 2024 | Mathematics - Computer Adaptive Test |
Make-ups for All Grades: Mondays and May 22-31
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.
District Assessments
Our comprehensive assessment system includes district-wide assessments in Kindergarten through 8th grade. 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. 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.
District Assessments include the following:
i-Ready Reading & Math Assessments
Used in Kindergarten through 8th 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.
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. 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.