State assessments are used to show families that their children are progressing toward college and career readiness and that the district's curriculum is effectively teaching the state's learning standards. State testing is required by state and federal law and satisfies a graduation requirement. All SVSD staff who administer state assessments are proctor trained, according to state requirements and guidelines.
Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA)
The Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) is the state assessment in math and English language arts. Students in grades 3-8 and 10 take the SBA in math and English language arts. Most high school juniors also take the SBA in math.
- Tests are taken online, and some parts are adaptive. This means that to a certain extent, the test questions will become more difficult – or easier – depending on how each student responds.
- All state tests are untimed.
- Tests are designed to be taken over multiple sessions. Students do not need to finish a test in a single day. Estimated testing time per subject is 3-4 hours.
- Each test has a computer adaptive section (multiple choice, fill in the blank, etc.), plus a performance task section that will better measure a student’s depth of understanding, research and analysis skills, etc.
Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)
The Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) is the state assessment in science. Students in grades 5, 8 and 11 take the WCAS. Tests are taken between mid-March and early June. The WCAS test is taken online, on the same testing platform as Smarter Balanced tests. For more information: http://www.k12.wa.us/Science/Assessments.aspx.
Testing of English language learners
The WIDA Screener and WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Test are used to determine eligibility for English language development services and measure a child's English language knowledge and skills.
Testing of kindergartners
The Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) assessment is a process for welcoming children and their families to kindergarten, assessing each child's strengths, discussing the characteristics of children’s development and learning what will enable them to be successful in school.
Graduation Pathways
High school students must earn a proficient score on the 10th grade Smarter Balanced Assessment in both ELA and Math, or demonstrate proficiency on another state approved assessment alternative to be eligible to graduate from high school. More information on the graduation pathway proficiency requirements and options for demonstrating proficiency can be found on the Washington State Board of Education website Washington State Board of Education website.
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