https //practice.smarter balanced.org/student/ : How do I prepare for SBAC?
Use the same testing software and review Practice sample test questions at www.smarterbalanced.org to see what students will encounter during testing! Practice tests, used in all Smarter Balanced states and territories, are available in grades 3-8 and high school.
Practice and Training Tests
Try out an English language arts/literacy or math test to learn how the test works, what’s expected of students and what kind of questions are included on them.
- Practice tests, used in all Smarter Balanced states and territories, are available in grades 3-8 and high school. They are similar in format and structure to the actual test and include about 30 questions. Each state and territory has their own practice test, so be sure to use the one where you live (see the list on the right).
- Training tests 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.
Sample Questions
If you want to quickly try out test questions (also called test items) and explore features without going through a complete test, check out the Sample Items Website. On this site, you can:
- Read about the types of items used on Smarter Balanced assessments;
- Search for test items based on grade, subject, or item type;
- Find additional details about the content that items measure; and
- Use the full breadth of accessibility features used on Smarter Balanced assessments.
States that use SBAC Assessments
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Montana
- Nevada
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Vermont
- Washington
- Idaho
Practice on the Device
As tech-savvy as students are, a mechanical hiccup during testing could have pretty serious effects on a student and his/her scores. Whether you are using iPads or computers, students should be familiar with the device they will be tested on. More specifically, they need to know how to use the device for academic purposes — watching YouTube on an iPad isn’t the same as being tested on one. Students should also know some basic troubleshooting techniques, such as how to open the browser if it closes.
Give students practice assessments on the device they will use for the official exam. To go the extra mile, try taking a handful of SBAC practice assessments on the device and in the same room they will use on official testing days.
Stamina to Complete the Test
Because there are several sections on the SBAC that can last an hour or more, students need to be ready to sit at the computer or device for an extended period of time. Working in front of a computer for increasing time periods can help them build up the stamina needed to complete the tests. A few practice sessions and strategic bathroom and snack solutions can be essential tools to getting through the session.
On this page, we’ve provided a few SBAC assessment tests from our library that you can use to build stamina. For the complete list of practice tests, enter the term SBAC in the search box in the Assessment Library and filter for your grade or subject.
