Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA)
Subject: Language and Math
Grades: 3-8 and High School
Type: Standards-based test used to show the level of proficiency of students relative to the Common Core State Standards for English language arts and math.
Method: Untimed, multiple-choice, short answer and essay questions (writing).
Purpose: Determine if students meet the Common Core and state learning standards in English language arts, math and science. Retakes available until students meet standard.
Results: Use the new Washington Test Guide for Parents to help you better understand your child's test score report. The online tool will provide you the information you need to help your child in school.
Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)
Subject: Science
Grades: 5, 8 ,11
Type: Next Generation Science standards-based test used to show the level of proficiency of students in science.
Method: Untimed, multiple-choice, and short answer questions online.
Purpose: Determine if students meet state learning standards in science.
World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA)
Subject: English Language Proficiency
Grades: ELL students in K-12
Type: Proficiency test of listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Method: Untimed, mix of multiple choice and performance items, administered Online.
Purpose: Required by the State of Washington to qualify students for services (placement) and to measure the growth and language acquisition of all English Language Learners (annual).
Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WAKIDS)
Subject: Developmental skills
Grades: Kindergarten
Type: Holistic inventory of kindergarten readiness. Includes assessment of physical, social, cognitive, literacy and emotional skills.
Method: Untimed, student observation. Family and community connections, early learning collaboration, whole child assessment.
Purpose: Provide information to improve classroom teaching and tailor instruction to individual student needs.
State Test Refusal
State law requires that schools provide an assessment of skills and knowledge in grades 3 and above. This year, we are administering the Smarter Balanced assessments that are being given across the country. Sometimes parents want to have their students excluded from testing, whether it is state or district assessments. PSD occasionally receives a request from parents to refuse state testing, with different reasons such as health or emotional concerns (test anxiety).
Our state assessments assess critical state standards, including higher-level thinking, communication, reasoning, problem solving, and application of knowledge and skills in new situations. Teachers gain information about students’ progress toward meeting grade-level expectations (what students should know and be able to do) in the core academic areas of reading, writing, math, and science, and can plan instruction accordingly.
Parents may refuse to have their child participate in state testing. Our district procedure is for parents to meet with principals to discuss their decision and formally refuse. Schools are not required to provide special instruction for students who refuse testing. They do provide supervision while their classmates take the state test.
