Smarter Balanced Assessment

Practice tests simulate what it’s like to take the SBAC, giving educators, students, and parents an early look at assessment questions that are aligned to the Common Core. Sample test items have also been developed. These samples items do not simulate the test, but provide explanations and details about assessment items for each grade level.

The California Department of Education has provided a matrix of Smarter Balanced Question Types. The matrix offers examples of question types that students may encounter on the Smarter Balanced test, and the student technology skill required to respond to each question type.

Simulated Exam Environments

Student Training & Practice Tests | Web Link
Two options are available from this link. The first is a Training Test, they are shorter than practice tests and offer a sample of six questions so students can become familiar with the testing software. Training tests are available in three grade bands: grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and high school.

The second option is a Practice Test, they are similar in format and structure to the actual test and include about 30 questions. 

Practice Test Scoring Guides | Web Link
ELA and mathematics grade level guides are offered for the Practice Tests. Questions and scoring criteria are offered are provided in PDF documents.

Using Practice Tests

We encourage individuals and groups to examine the SBAC simulated exam environments. Districts should look for opportunities to share with trustees, leadership teams, faculty groups, parents, school site councils, and community stakeholder groups. Students should also be given opportunities to explore the new assessment tasks. Some districts are creating road maps for integrating the Common Core and SBAC assessments into five-year planning documents.

Suggestions for using the practice tests:

• View test items for ideas on how to create similar items for use with students so they are comfortable working online.
• Take a practice test to experience the features of online testing and gain insight into how Smarter Balanced will assess students’ mastery of the Common Core.
• Get a student perspective by allowing students to experience a few questions and discuss the new format and what was challenging.
• Look at assessment items to help inform common formative assessments in a district/school.

Resources

Access these resources to gain greater understanding of the SBAC tests and how they are different from the current STAR testing program.
 

California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) assessments evaluated student knowledge and mastery based on 1997 California Standards. Students in grades 2-11 were assessed every spring in various content areas. Sample test items for English Language Arts and Math can be seen from this link.

Equipment & Peripherals

In order to provide a consistent testing experience for students, ensure that test results are reliable, and protect the security of the test, the devices (computers and tablets) used by students to take the test must meet certain requirements.

Screen
Display must measure a minimum 9.5 inches diagonal (sometimes described as “10-inch class”). Resolution must be a minimum of 1024×768

Headphones / Earphones
Headphones or earphones must be available to students for use during the English language arts/literacy assessment and for students who require text-to-speech features on the mathematics test. 

Keyboard
A physical keyboard is required to avoid consuming screen space that must be available for test content. 

Pointing Device
A pointing device must be included. This may be a mouse, touch screen, touchpad, or other pointing device with which the student is familiar. 

Network
Must be connected to the internet with a minimum of 20Kbps bandwidth available per student to be tested concurrently. 

Secure Browser
It must be possible to secure the device so that the student does not have access to unauthorized web sites or applications. This is typically accomplished through the use of a secure browser, but may be accomplished by the operating system. 

Operating System
The device and operating system should be supported by the member’s test delivery service provider.