Student Testing
The Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) is administered as part of California’s state testing program. The SBA is designed to assess student mastery of the Common Core State Standards. The summative (or end-of-year tests) measure student achievement and growth in English, Math and Science in grades 3–8 and high school. Throughout the year, teachers will use the formative Intermin Assessment Blocks (IAB’s) to inform how students are doing at that particular moment in time. Students take a customized test using a computer adaptive format: questions get harder when students answer correctly and easier when they answer incorrectly, allowing students to better demonstrate what they know. The online format with extended research, writing, and problem solving tasks measure the critical thinking and problem-solving skills students needed for success. In addition, SBA performance data provides important information to determine whether students are on track to pursue college and career by the time they graduate high school.
SBA Resources for Students
SBAC 3-5th Resources (Vocab, Writing, Math)
SBA Resources for Parents
Parent’s Guide to Understanding Test Scores
CA Dept of Education - Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments FAQs
Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT)
The Otis-Lennon School Ability Test (OLSAT) is a multiple-choice K-12 assessment that measures reasoning skills with several different types of verbal, non-verbal, figural, and quantitative reasoning questions. It is designed to assess a child's performance across a wide variety of reasoning skill sets. This test is administered in 2nd grade and is used as a tool for admission into schools and programs for gifted and talented children or to measure scholastic achievement across all ages.
English Learner Proficiency Assessment
The English Learner Proficiency Assessment in California (ELPAC) is used to identify and monitor EL students’ progress toward English language proficiency. EL students continue to take the Summative ELPAC annually until they meet their LEA’s reclassification criteria.
Physical Education Testing
The primary goal of the FITNESSGRAM® is to assist students in establishing lifetime habits of regular physical activity. All school districts in California are required to administer the PFT annually to all students in grades 5, 7 and 9. It provides students, teachers, parents and administrators the standards and awareness of fitness levels needed for good health. This information is critical to making positive, healthy changes.