SBAC Resources

The Smarter Balanced Assessment measures what students know in English-language arts and Mathematics.

The assessment uses computer-adaptive technology. This means the test automatically generates the next question based on his or her previous answer. This helps teachers understand more precisely where your child is in understanding the subject relative to grade-level standards. Families receive reports containing their child's state assessment results in the mail in late August each year.

How to help your child prepare:

Testing takes place in the spring for students in grades 3-5. Check with your child’s school for the dates planned for your child to take the tests. Here are some things to remember:
 

  • As with every school day, a good night’s sleep helps your child have a successful day at school.

  • Because the tests are not timed, you want to remind your child not to rush through the test.

  • Let your child know that the SBAC is simply a tool to show where students are in their learning - so their teachers can do a better job helping them to learn.

  • Finally, it’s always good to do a practice run (follow the instructions for guest users). You and your child can take turns trying the test out to see what to expect.


Learn more about SFUSD’s assessments.