Our school is one of many in the country participating in the Smarter Balanced Assessment Field Test this Spring. Schools in 22 states will administer the online assessment in Mathematics and/or English starting this April.
The Smarter Balanced assessments are a key part of implementing our new academic standards and preparing all students for success in college and careers. When the assessments become operational in the 2014-15 school year, they will provide an academic checkup by measuring real-world skills like critical thinking and problem solving. In addition, they will provide information during the year to give teachers and parents a better picture of where students are succeeding and where they need help. This practice run of the assessments will be used to evaluate the testing software, ensure the quality of assessment questions, and evaluate the effectiveness of the assessment administration and training materials. It also provides teachers and students at our school an opportunity to preview the types of questions that will be part of the Smarter Balanced assessments and practice test administration procedures.
- April 29th – May 5th: 3rd Grade; 5th Grade Make-Ups
- May 6th – May 9th: 4th Grade; 5th Grade science tests
- Make-ups for Grades 3-5 will be conducted through May 16th.
See California Smarter Balanced Assessments website for Practice Test: http://sbac.portal.airast.org/ca/.
Smart & Final on 15th Street (downtown) donated snacks for our students during this testing period. We thank Smart & Final for donating to McKinley and encourage you to thank manager, Armando, next time you are shopping there!