At the elementary level, the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) is taken by third, fourth, and fifth grade students at public elementary schools in Washington state over the course of several days, usually during the months of April and/or May. Sunrise students will be taking these assessments May 7th-9th and 14th-15th. Fifth grade students also take the state science assessment May 21st-22nd.

Purpose:

• The Smarter Balanced Assessment is a standardized test designed to measure your child's understanding of key concepts in English language arts (reading and writing) and mathematics.

• It's part of a larger effort to ensure that students are on track for success in college and/or their future careers.

Computer-Based Test:

• The Smarter Balanced Assessment is taken on a computer. It includes various types of questions, such as multiple-choice, short-answer, and performance tasks.

English Language Arts (ELA):

• In the English language arts section, your child will be tested on their reading and writing skills. This includes understanding and analyzing texts, as well as expressing ideas through written responses.

Mathematics:

• In the mathematics section, the test assesses your child's problem-solving abilities, mathematical reasoning, and understanding of mathematical concepts.

The SBA is a standardized test. Standardized tests offer a snapshot of your child's performance on a specific day, and it's important to remember that a single test score does not capture the full spectrum of your child's capabilities.

Children have different learning styles and strengths. Some may excel in traditional test-taking scenarios, while others may showcase their understanding more effectively through hands-on projects, verbal explanations, or creative expressions. Academic success is not solely determined by test scores. Your child's social and emotional growth, interpersonal skills, resilience, and other non-academic qualities contribute significantly to their overall development.

So, while standardized tests results provide valuable information, they are just one piece of information. We set students up for success on this assessment, and we encourage you to also support them in preparing to do their best. Each child is much more than a test score, and all children have the capacity for exponential growth in the continual process of their educational journey.