Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAC)
Smarter Balanced Assessments for grades 3-8 and 11
The Smarter Balanced assessment system is a valid, fair, and reliable approach to student assessment that provide educators, students, and parents meaningful results with actionable data to help students succeed.
The Summative Assessments, or end-of-year tests, determine students’ progress toward college and career readiness in English language arts/literacy and math. These are given in the spring of each school year to students grades 3rd-8th and 11th grade and consist of two parts: a computer adaptive test and a performance task.
The summative assessments:
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Accurately describe both student achievement (how much students know at the end of the year) and student growth (how much students have improved since the previous year) to inform program evaluation and school, district, and state accountability systems
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Include writing at every grade and ask students to solve multi-step, real-world problems in mathematics
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Capitalize on the strengths of computer adaptive testing by providing precise measurement and quick turnaround of results
Smarter Balanced Assessments are administered at the end of the year to evaluate students' progress toward being college and career ready. The assessments feature computer-adaptive testing, performance tasks, and a wide range of accessibility options, allowing students to effectively demonstrate their knowledge and abilities. Additionally, multiple reporting options are available, providing educators with the information they need in a timely manner and in their preferred format.
The Smarter Balanced assessment system includes a comprehensive suite of standards-aligned tools and resources including interim assessments, a summative assessment, and Tools for Teachers, which provide differentiated lessons and activities that can help teachers support student learning.
A Parent Guide to Understanding: The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments
The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments are part of the state testing system called the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress or CAASPP. The CAASPP System is designed to give information to teachers, students, and their families about what students know and are able to do and whether they are on track to be ready for success in college or career when they graduate from high school.
A Parent Guide to Understanding the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments(PDF)
The Parent Guides to Understanding are available in multiple languages on the California Department of Education (CDE) webpage.
Smarter Balanced Assessments Sample Questions
Click here to access sample SBAC test questions.
Smarter Balanced ELA/Math Practice and Training Tests
Click on the link below to access the Practice and Training Test portal. The Practice Tests provide students with the opportunity to quickly become familiar with the software and interface features. The Training Tests are organized by grade-bands (e.g., 3–5).