Smarter Balanced Testing Information (for Parents)

Here are some simple and kid-friendly test strategies for elementary students taking computer-adaptive tests like the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAC). These strategies are easy to practice at home or in class:

1. Read Carefully

• Practice: Read the entire question and all the answers before deciding. Look for key words that tell you what to do.

• Example: Highlight or underline important parts of a question, like numbers in a math problem or “who” and “what” in a reading question.

2. Take Your Time

• Practice: Don’t rush! Answer questions at a steady pace, but don’t spend too long on one question.

• Example: Set a timer during practice and challenge yourself to work carefully without hurrying.

3. Use the Tools

• Practice: Learn to use the test tools, like the calculator, highlighter, or flagging questions to review later.

• Example: Play with similar tools at home or in practice tests to get comfortable.

4. Eliminate Wrong Answers

• Practice: If you’re unsure, cross out answers that don’t make sense to narrow down your choices.

• Example: Work with practice questions to cross out two wrong answers first, then pick the best one.

5. Write Your Thinking

• Practice: For questions that ask for explanations, write in complete sentences and explain your steps.

• Example: Practice explaining math problems or writing about a book you’ve read at home.

6. Double-Check Your Work

• Practice: Before moving to the next question, check to make sure your answer makes sense.

• Example: Solve math problems a second time or reread your answers in practice.

7. Stay Calm and Confident

• Practice: If you feel stuck, take a deep breath and think about what you do know.

• Example: Practice “positive self-talk” like saying, “I’ve got this!” or “I’ll do my best!”

8. Skip and Return

• Practice: If a question is really hard, skip it and come back later.

• Example: Use practice tests to try flagging tricky questions and finishing them at the end.

9. Practice Typing

• Practice: Work on typing skills for writing answers on the computer.

• Example: Use typing games or practice typing short sentences at home.

10. Practice Using Practice Tests

• Practice: Take practice tests that look just like the real test so you can get used to how it works.

• Example: Try online tools or school-provided practice tests to feel ready for the real thing.

These strategies will help make the test feel easier and less stressful. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel!

Here are some simple Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies for elementary students to help them stay calm, focused, and confident while taking computer-adaptive tests like the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAC):

1. Practice Positive Self-Talk

• What to Say:

  • “I can do this!”

  • “I’ll try my best, and that’s enough.”

  • “It’s okay if it’s hard; I’ll keep trying.”

• How to Practice:

Encourage students to repeat these phrases when practicing at home or during test prep in class.

2. Take Deep Breaths

• What to Do:

  • Breathe in through your nose for 3 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, then breathe out through your mouth for 4 seconds.

• How to Practice:

Try this before starting the test or when feeling nervous during the test.

3. Use a “Focus Reset” Trick

• What to Do:

  • Pause for a moment if your mind starts to wander. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and think, “I’m ready to keep going.”

• How to Practice:

Role-play this during practice activities when students start to lose focus.

4. Set Small Goals

• What to Do:

  • Break the test into smaller sections in your mind. Focus on completing one question at a time.

  • After a few questions, take a moment to celebrate quietly: “I’m doing great!”

• How to Practice:

Encourage students to use checkpoints, like finishing 5 questions before pausing to stretch their hands.

5. Practice Gratitude

• What to Do:

  • Think of something that makes you happy before starting the test (like your favorite hobby or a fun memory).

• How to Practice:

Have students share one thing they’re thankful for before a test prep activity.

6. Stay Flexible

• What to Remember:

  • Not every question will be easy, and that’s okay. The test adjusts to help you show what you know.

• How to Practice:

Talk about how making mistakes is part of learning and role-play what to do if a question feels hard (take a deep breath and move to the next one).

7. Build a Calm Routine

• What to Do:

  • Stretch your hands, wiggle your fingers, or roll your shoulders if you feel tense.

• How to Practice:

Include stretches or finger-wiggling breaks during practice sessions to make it a habit.

8. Visualize Success

• What to Do:

  • Close your eyes and imagine finishing the test feeling proud of yourself.

• How to Practice:

Guide students through a quick visualization exercise before test practice.

9. Ask for Help (If Allowed)

• What to Do:

  • If you’re unsure about what a question is asking, ask the teacher or use the tools provided to help you understand.

• How to Practice:

Remind students that it’s okay to ask for clarification if it’s within the rules.

10. End with Kindness

• What to Do:

  • Finish the test feeling proud of your effort and give yourself a “mental high-five.”

• How to Practice:

Encourage students to say something kind to themselves after completing a practice test or activity.

By practicing these SEL strategies, students can build confidence, reduce stress, and stay focused during testing!