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As we approach May, California students in grades 3–8 and 11 are preparing to take the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) exams. These exams measure a student’s readiness in English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Mathematics, providing valuable information to teachers, parents, and school districts on student progress. At the middle school where I teach, SBAC exams last an entire month, two weeks for ELA and two weeks for Math.

What is the SBAC Exam?

The SBAC exam is a computer-adaptive test that measures a student’s mastery of grade-level academic standards. The questions come from the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), designed to ensure that all students receive a consistent, high-quality education that prepares them for college and career success. The SBAC exam has two parts: ELA and mathematics.

The ELA test measures how well students read and understand complex texts, write effectively, and demonstrate critical thinking skills. The mathematics test measures their ability to solve problems, reason abstractly, and use mathematical models to solve real-world problems.

Why is the SBAC Exam Important?

The SBAC exam provides valuable information to teachers and parents on student progress. This information identifies areas where students need additional support and helps educators develop strategies to help them succeed. Second, SBAC exam results help to evaluate the effectiveness of schools and districts in meeting student academic needs. Finally, the SBAC exam results show how California students compare to students in other states.

What Can Adults Do to Help Their Children?

Testing season is hard for students because everyone wants to perform well.

• You can help your student by making sure your child is well-rested and eats breakfast,
• Ensure children attend school regularly and arrive on time,
• Encourage children to complete their homework and study for the exam,
• Try to ensure students have a quiet place to complete assignments at home,
• Talk to your student’s teachers to learn more about the exam and how they can support their child’s preparation.

I can say that during this time, all the work I give to students is somehow related to the SBAC exam. Make sure your student is keeping up with their assignments. I also encourage adults to treat their students like college students preparing for finals. Make them something special to eat, if possible. Complete some of their chores so they can study. If students see how invested you are in their success, they will be more motivated to do well.

Questions Parents Should Ask Teachers

Here are some questions parents should ask their child’s teacher to learn more about the SBAC exam:

1. What specific academic standards will students need to know on the SBAC exam? Note: These standards vary in difficulty according to grade level.
2. How can I support my child’s preparation for the exam at home?
3. What resources are available to help my child prepare for the exam?
4. What strategies are you using in the classroom to help students prepare for the exam?
5. How will you use the exam results to help my child improve academically?

Resources for Parents

Here are some resources for parents to learn more about the SBAC exam and how they can support their child’s preparation:

1. California Department of Education: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/
2. Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium: https://www.smarterbalanced.org/parents/
3. National PTA: https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/assessments

Conclusion

The SBAC exam is a tool for measuring student progress in California schools. As parents, there are several things that you can do to support your child’s preparation for the exam, including talking to their teacher and encouraging regular attendance and homework completion. By working together, parents, teachers, and students can ensure that all California students are well-prepared for success in college and careers.