SBAC Practice Test & Detailed 2023 Study Guide With Practice Questions and Success Tips
Updated November 6, 2023
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- What Is the Smarter Balanced Test (SBAC)?
- What Is the SBAC Testing Format?
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- Example Questions on the SBAC Test
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- SBAC Grade Levels
- SBAC Scores
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- How to Prepare for the SBAC
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is a standardized test for students in grades three through eight and high school.
It assesses proficiency in English Language Arts and mathematics, aligned with Common Core State Standards.
Administered via computer-based testing, it employs multiple-choice, constructed-response and performance tasks to provide detailed insights into students' academic abilities.
What Is the Smarter Balanced Test (SBAC)?
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is a standardized test used in the US.
It assesses students' academic proficiency in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics.
The SBAC test is typically administered to students in grades three through eight and once in high school, although specific grade levels may vary from state to state.
The SBAC assessments are designed to align with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which are academic standards that outline what students are expected to know and be able to do at each grade level in ELA and math.
The tests are intended to provide educators, parents, and policymakers with information about how well students are meeting these standards, as well as their readiness for college and suitability for their chosen career paths.
SBAC Pratice Test with TestPrepOnline
What Is the SBAC Testing Format?
The SBAC assessment is typically computer-based.
The test format includes a combination of selected-response (multiple-choice) questions and performance tasks.
Performance Tasks
Performance tasks are a distinctive feature of the SBAC assessment.
These tasks assess students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world problems or scenarios.
They often involve a combination of reading, research, writing and problem-solving.
In the ELA test, a performance task might involve reading multiple sources, synthesizing information, and writing an essay or making a presentation.
This section typically takes two hours to complete.
The SBAC math test typically involves solving a complex problem or conducting a mathematical investigation.
These tasks may involve multiple steps, data analysis, and the use of mathematical concepts in practical situations.
It can take around 90 minutes to complete.
Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT)
The SBAC assessments are computer-adaptive.
This means that the difficulty of questions will adapt based on a student's previous responses.
If a student answers a question correctly, the next question may be slightly more challenging.
If a student answers a question incorrectly, the next question may be easier.
This adaptive format is designed to provide a more accurate assessment of a student's abilities.
The ELA test assesses:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking and listening
- Research skills
Questions take the form of multiple-choice, short text, listening and true/false statements.
It takes approximately two and a half hours to complete.
The SBAC math assessment covers a wide range of mathematical concepts and skills, including but not limited to:
- Operations and algebraic thinking
- Numbers and operations in base ten
- Numbers and operations—fractions
- Measurement and data
- Geometry
It's important to note that the specific content and structure of SBAC tests may vary by grade level, subject and state.
Example Questions on the SBAC Test
Below are sample ELA questions.
These questions are meant to provide an idea of the types of questions students might encounter on the SBAC ELA test:
Grade Three
Based on the passage, which word best describes the character's feelings?
’Tomorrow is Samantha’s birthday party. She has been waiting for this day for two months. Her party is Harry Potter-themed and is in a soft play area. She has been telling everyone about it and cannot wait to wake up. As it is all she can think about, she is unable to sleep. The last time she had the same feeling was Christmas Eve’.
a) Happy
b) Sad
c) Excited
d) Worried
Write a short story about a character who goes on an adventure. Include details about the character's journey and how they overcome challenges along the way.
What is the main idea of the second paragraph in the passage?
’New York is a city with so much historical and cultural significance. From the arrival of the first colonies to its role in the American Civil War to its importance to the Stock Exchange.
While there, I was able to explore the New York Library and take a boat tour around the Statue of Liberty. I found it to be one of the busiest, but friendliest cities in the US’.
a) The history of the city
b) The author's personal experiences
c) The impact of the New York on the community
d) The cultural significance of the New York
Write an argumentative essay discussing the benefits of outdoor activities for children. Provide evidence and examples to support your argument.
According to the passage, what is the author's primary purpose in writing this article?
’Dear Readers, as you know, there are several statues and fountains all representing the different points in this town's history and the figures that helped mould it. Recently, I have been made aware that these statues and fountains have been vandalized on several occasions. I have been told that there are no suspects or leads. As editor of this newspaper and an invested member of this town, I am writing today to encourage anyone who has seen or heard anything about the vandalism to step forward and tell a member of the police or town council.’
a) To inform readers about a current issue
b) To entertain readers with a fictional story
c) To persuade readers to take action
d) To describe a historical event in detail
Compose a persuasive letter to your school principal advocating for the implementation of a new extracurricular activity. Provide reasons and evidence to support your request.
Below are sample SBAC math questions designed to give you an idea of the types of questions students might encounter on the test:
Grade Three
What is the sum of 345 and 621?
a) 866
b) 956
c) 966
d) 1,056
A rectangular garden has a length of 12 feet and a width of 8 feet.
What is the total area of the garden in square feet?
a) 96
b) 40
c) 20
d) 1.5
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Calculate the product of 34 and 25.
a) 650
b) 835
c) 850
d) 875
A school is planning a field trip. The cost for each student is $25, and there are 28 students going on the trip.
What is the total cost of the trip?
a) $200
b) $700
c) $500
d) $650
Simplify the expression:
a) b) c) d)
A recipe for a cake calls for 3/4 cup of sugar. If Sarah wants to make two cakes, how many cups of sugar does she need in total?
a) 2
b) 1
c) 1½
d) 3
SBAC Grade Levels
The SBAC test is typically administered in the spring to students in grades three to eight and grade 11.
All grades sit both the ELA and mathematics tests.
Those who achieve high scores may be eligible for accelerated or gifted and talented programs.
All 11th graders must pass their SBAC to be eligible for graduation.
SBAC Scores
The SBAC assessment provides scores for each student who takes the SBAC assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics.
These scores are intended to reflect the student's proficiency in these subjects based on their performance on the assessments.
The specific scores and score reporting categories can vary by state, but the general structure of SBAC scores includes:
Scale Scores
SBAC assessments generate scale scores for each subject (ELA and mathematics).
These scale scores are continuous numbers that typically range from approximately 2,000 to 3,000.
The scale scores are designed to provide a more detailed measurement of a student's performance than traditional percentage or grade-based scores.
These scores can also be used to compare performance between students in the same year, school district or state.
Performance Levels
To help interpret the scale scores, SBAC provides performance or achievement levels that categorize students' proficiency.
The number of performance levels and their labels may vary by state, but they generally include categories such as:
-
Level 1: Not Meeting Proficiency – Students at this level do not demonstrate proficiency in the subject and may need additional support to meet grade-level standards
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Level 2: Approaching Proficiency – Students at this level are close to meeting proficiency standards but may need some improvement
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Level 3: Proficient – Students at this level meet the proficiency standards for their grade level
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Level 4: Exceeding Proficiency – Students at this level demonstrate proficiency beyond their grade level standards
Students in the 11th grade must achieve Level 3 or higher to graduate high school.
How to Prepare for the SBAC
Preparing for the SBAC assessment can help students perform their best. Here are some strategies for preparing for the SBAC:
Step 1. Understand the Test Format and Content
Familiarize yourself or your child with the format of the SBAC tests, including the types of SBAC questions (multiple-choice, constructed-response, performance tasks) and the time limits for each section.
Review the specific content areas and skills that the SBAC tests will assess, which are aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).
Step 2. Use Practice Materials
Many states and the SBAC consortium provide official practice tests and sample questions on their websites.
Completing SBAC practice tests is the best way to prepare as they give you a sense of the types of questions you'll encounter and the format of the test.
Consider taking practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the testing experience.
Start without any time limitations, and as your child’s confidence grows, add restrictions until they can complete the test in the allocated time.
Step 3. Set Goals and Track Progress
Establish realistic goals for your performance on the SBAC tests.
What proficiency level are you aiming for? Knowing your target can help you stay focused during your preparation.
Track your progress by taking practice tests periodically and reviewing your performance.
Identify areas where you need improvement and focus your study efforts there.
Step 4. Study and Review Regularly
Study your classroom materials and textbooks throughout the school year.
The SBAC assessments are designed to align with the curriculum, so regular classwork can be an effective form of preparation.
Review key concepts and skills in ELA and mathematics.
Pay attention to any areas where you may be struggling or need additional practice.
Step 5. Practice Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Since the SBAC includes performance tasks that require critical thinking and problem-solving, practice these skills in your studies.
Work on analyzing complex texts, solving math problems and explaining your reasoning clearly.
Develop strategies for approaching performance tasks, such as breaking them down into manageable steps and outlining your responses before writing.
When working through ELA and SBAC math practice tests, review your answers to see where you went wrong and how you can improve.
Step 6. Seek Help and Support
If you're struggling with specific content or skills, don't hesitate to seek help.
Talk to your teachers, tutors, or parents for assistance.
Consider joining study groups or working with peers to review and practice together.
Step 7. Manage Test Anxiety
Test anxiety can affect performance.
Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, to manage anxiety on test day.
Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast before the test to ensure you're mentally and physically prepared.
Step 8. Familiarize Yourself with Test Navigation
Since the SBAC is computer-based, make sure you're comfortable with the test navigation system.
Practice using the tools and features provided, such as highlighting, calculator functions and note-taking.
Step 9. Time Management
During practice tests, pay attention to time management.
Try to allocate a specific amount of time to each section of the test to ensure you have enough time to complete all questions.
Step 10. Stay Positive and Confident
Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your ability to perform well on the SBAC.
Confidence can have a positive impact on your test performance.
Remember that preparation for the SBAC is not just about cramming for the test but about building a strong foundation of knowledge and skills over time.
Regular, focused study and practice are key to success on these assessments.
The SBAC test evaluates students' proficiency in English Language Arts and mathematics, assessing their understanding of Common Core State Standards.
It uses computer-based testing, including selected-response, constructed-response, and performance tasks.
The test aims to provide educators, parents, and policymakers with insights into students' academic strengths and areas needing improvement.
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is a standardized test for students in grades three through eight and high school. It assesses proficiency in English Language Arts and mathematics, aligned with Common Core State Standards.
The SBAC test itself does not usually directly affect a student's grade in a course.
The results may be used to assess a student's academic progress, guide instructional strategies, and provide information for educational policy and decision-making at the state and district levels.
Failing the SBAC typically does not have immediate consequences for individual students, as it does not directly impact their grades or advancement to the next grade level.
However, the results may indicate areas needing improvement, leading to targeted support or interventions from educators to help students enhance their skills and achieve proficiency in the assessed subjects.
The SBAC holds some significance as it assesses students' proficiency in key subjects and aligns with educational standards. Its results provide valuable insights for educators, helping them tailor instructional approaches.
Colleges generally do not consider SBAC scores for admission purposes. Instead, they focus on standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, high school GPA, recommendation letters and extracurricular activities.
However, SBAC results may indirectly influence college readiness by providing insights into a student's academic strengths and areas for improvement during their K-12 education.
The difficulty of the SBAC test varies depending on a student's preparedness and familiarity with the Common Core State Standards. Its adaptive format may challenge students with progressively complex questions.
Adequate preparation, including understanding the test structure, practicing with sample questions, and honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, can contribute to a more confident and successful test experience.
Final Thoughts
The SBAC test plays a significant role in evaluating students' proficiency and guiding educational strategies.
While the results do not typically directly impact individual grades or college admissions, they provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers to enhance teaching approaches and educational policies.
To ensure your child’s ability is properly reflected, take the time to prepare for the test by working through practice questions and reviewing classwork and homework.
