Smarter Balanced Practice Tests
The Smarter Balanced Practice Tests are now available for grades 3 through 8 and grade 11 in English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics. The Practice Tests provide a preview of the Smarter Balanced assessments, but do not reflect the full range of content that students may encounter on the actual assessments. As such, the practice tests should not be used to guide instructional decisions about students. Scoring keys are expected to be available in summer 2013, but no score reports are generated from the Practice Tests. The Practice Tests will be available through summer 2014.
System Requirements
A computer connected to the Internet is required with one of the following Web browsers:
- Mozilla Firefox 3.6 and higher
- Google Chrome 18 and higher
- Apple Safari 5 and higher
- Default Web browsers on iPad and Android tablets
- Smarter Balanced Secure Browser
(required for text-to-speech functionality)
An individual user account is not required to take the Practice Tests. Use the GUEST login and session when prompted.
Accessibility and Accommodations
The Practice Tests have general accessibility tools such as highlighting text and zooming content in and out. Also, the following accommodations are available for ELA (grades 4, 7, and 11) and mathematics (grades 3, 7, and 11):
- Text-to-speech
- Braille (mathematics only; ELA braille available June 12, 2013)
- Spanish glossary (mathematics only)
Fall 2013 Enhancements
By fall 2013, the Practice Tests will be augmented with additional features, including:
- Full array of performance tasks for mathematics (including classroom-based activities)
- Classroom-based activities for ELA performance tasks in all grades
- Scoring keys and rubrics for items requiring extended writing
- American Sign Language translation
- Text-to-speech, Braille, and Spanish glossary (mathematics only) for all grades
- Support for Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 and 10
Take the Practice Test
Take the Practice Test (use the GUEST login and session)
(use the GUEST login and session)More Information
Resources and Documentation - User Guide, Classroom Activity Guidelines, and Classroom Activities
- User Guide, Classroom Activity Guidelines, and Classroom ActivitiesRelated Content
- Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium - Latest information about new generation of assessments.
State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Encourages Taking an
Early Look at New, Online Smarter Balanced Practice Tests
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson encouraged students, educators, and parents to try out the Smarter Balanced Practice Tests launched today to familiarize themselves and the public with the new generation of computer-based assessments students will take starting in the 2014-15 school year.
"These practice tests give teachers, students, and parents a glimpse into understanding the skills and abilities our children will need to do well on test day and in preparation for college and career," Torlakson said. "This marks another step forward in the effort to help schools prepare to replace outdated assessments with tests that gauge the kind of critical thinking and deeper learning that comes with a world-class education."
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (Smarter Balanced) placed online for public access the set of practice tests for grades three through eight and grade eleven. For each grade, practice tests will be available in both English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics.
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (Smarter Balanced) placed online for public access the set of practice tests for grades three through eight and grade eleven. For each grade, practice tests will be available in both English-language arts (ELA) and mathematics.
The practice tests are available on the California Department of Education Smarter Balanced Practice Tests Web page.
The practice tests include test questions with the same features that students will experience in 2014-15, when the tests are scheduled to be given to more than 19 million of the nation's public K-12 students, including California's students. Smarter Balanced assessment items and performance tasks were written and reviewed in collaboration with K-12 teachers and higher education faculty and aligned to the Common Core State Standards.
The practice tests include test questions with the same features that students will experience in 2014-15, when the tests are scheduled to be given to more than 19 million of the nation's public K-12 students, including California's students. Smarter Balanced assessment items and performance tasks were written and reviewed in collaboration with K-12 teachers and higher education faculty and aligned to the Common Core State Standards.
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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100