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WHAT IS SMARTER BALANCED TESTING?

Students in grades 3rd - 8th and 11th will receive full-length summative tests in both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. The total testing time for each student is approximately 7-8 hours, spread out over 2-3 days. Smarter Balanced assessments consist of 4 separate tests: a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) & a Performance Task (PT) for each subject. Every device used for testing must have the secure browser installed and a stable, high-speed internet is required.

PARENT/GUARDIAN & STUDENT RESOURCES

Videos and quick reference guides for parents/guardians and students are available in English and Spanish on the Spring Administration for Parents/Guardians page.

HOW CAN I PREPARE MY CHILD FOR THE SBAC?

  • Take a practice test and learn how to use the universal tools.
  • Practice typing skills throughout the school year.
  • Discuss the importance of the test with your child.
  • Check out some practice lessons on Starting Smarter.
  • Review the Academic Vocabulary with your student to help them become familiar with important terms they may encounter on the assessments.
  • Review the Power Standards for your student's grade level to ensure they understand the key skills and concepts that will be assessed.

TAKE A PRACTICE TEST

CHECK OUT THE TEST IN ACTION

Visit the CAASPP practice test to try out live, interactive questions and the testing features students can use.

Online Practice and Training Tests

Training Videos

ELA PT (3rd - 5th)
Math PT (3rd - 5th)
ELA CAT (3rd - 5th)
MATH CAT (3rd - 5th)
ELA PT (6th-8th)
MATH PT (6th-8th)
ELA CAT (6th-8th)
MATH CAT (6th-8th)
ELA PT (HS)
MATH PT (HS)
ELA CAT (HS)
MATH CAT (HS)

SBAC/CAASPP TESTING RESOURCES

There are a variety of resources to help your student prepare for the CAASPP assessments. Please explore these options to find what works for you through the links on the SBAC/CAASPP Testing Resources page.

Expirations & Pause Rules for Assessments

CALIFORNIA ALTERNATE ASSESSMENT (CAA) FOR ELA AND MATH

The California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) for ELA and mathematics are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System. The purpose of the CAAs is to measure what students know and can do. These measures help identify and address gaps in knowledge or skills early so students can receive the support they need.

The CAAs are aligned with alternate achievement standards—called the Core Content Connectors— and linked to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for ELA and mathematics.

The CAAs are for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities and whose individualized education program (IEP) team has designated the use of an alternate assessment on statewide summative assessments.