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Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) Information

What is the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA)? Washington State adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for curriculum and will implement the Smarter Balanced assessment for grades 3-5 statewide. CCSS have increased the rigor for our students.

Where can I find more information or practice tests?

When are Grades 3-5 testing? 

The testing window at Briarwood is from May 1 – June 2, 2023 (extra days are for Make-Ups due to illness and other absences). See the above dates for more specific information.

I received my scores...now what? 

Visit the Great Schools website to learn more about what your child's test scores mean.

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.