SBA Testing for Grades 3-5

Dear Parent or Guardian of 3rd-5th Graders,

This is the second year of the State of Washington’s Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA). All students in Grades 3-5 will be taking the SBA. The purpose of the program is to find out how well students can perform in the basic school subjects. At Orchard, students in Grades 3 through 5 are tested in English Language Arts and Mathematics. Students in Grade 5 are also tested in Science using the MSP.

Here is the schedule detailing which days your child will be assessed.

The SBA has the following features:

• The SBA measures critical thinking with questions that ask students to demonstrate their research, writing, and problem solving skills.
• Assessments are untimed and students can take breaks so that they can do their best.
• Accessibility resources for all students and accommodations – such as Braille – for those who need them.
• More information can be found here: www.smarterbalanced.org

How Parents Can Help Prepare Their Children for Testing.

We at Orchard do all we can do to provide your children with an excellent education. When it comes to testing, we feel that top-notch teaching, high expectations and a rigorous curriculum are the best preparation. But parents can help with some basic test-taking skills and preparation.

To help children prepare adequately for assessments (whether teacher-made or standardized), you can do several things to provide support and create a positive test-taking experience.

• Make sure that your child eats his/her usual breakfast on the day of the test.
• Make sure that your child is in school during the testing sessions. Do not plan any doctor or dental appointments on test dates and of course no family trips.
• See that your child gets his/her regular amount of sleep before the tests. 
• If your child is nervous at test time, ask her teacher for tips on helping her relax.
• Encourage your child to listen carefully to all test-taking directions given by the teacher and to ask questions about any directions that are unclear.
• Encourage your child to do his/her best.
• Of course, the best way to prepare for tests is to pay attention in class, study and know the work.

Thank you once again for your support of Orchard and the Richland School District.

Sincerely,

Robert Broecker, Principal