Testing
Issaquah school district uses state and district testing to make important decisions.
The state required test: the Smarter Balanced Assessment, or SBA, provides information on...
- student progress toward meeting state standards and
- how our student perform in comparison to students across the state to ensure that our programs are preparing students for their long-term life and learning goals.
This test is given in the spring to all students in 3rd through 8th grade, and in 10th grade. Learn more about the SBA here, and SBA Test Score Reports here.
Our district also uses i-Ready Reading and i-Ready Math. i-Ready is aligned to standards, nationally normed, and independently validated and tested for bias. i-Ready is use for the following:
- Universal Screener: this test helps us find quickly each fall, students who might have a learning difficulty or achievement gap in reading or math.
- Diagnostic Assessment: i-Ready provides a breakdown of different areas or domains for reading and math, allowing teachers to identify strengths and learning needs of students and use the information to plan instruction.
- Benchmark Assessment: using i-Ready each fall and winter, we can monitor students growth relative to grade level standards and use that information to adjust the learning plan for groups and individuals.
i-Ready is given in the fall for 1st through 8th grade students, in the winter for Kindergarten through 8th grade students, and in the spring for Kindergarten through 5th grade students. Learn more about i-Ready & District Assessments here.
State and District assessment scores in Skyward Family Access
State Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) scores and elementary i-Ready scores are released in Skyward Family Access under Test Scores.
Click here to learn more about i-Ready Scores
Frequently Asked Questions: Smarter Balanced Assessment
- What is the Smarter Balanced Assessment?
- Who takes the test and when?
- Why did students take the Smarter Balanced test in Fall of 2021?
- What does the SBA look like?
- What is the science assessment students have to take in school?
- How is the SBA information used by schools and teachers?
- Are SBA scores used in determining students’ class grade or will it appear on the report card and transcript?
- Where can I find the SBA score report for my child?
- How can I use the SBA score report to support the academic growth of my child?
- What if my child does not meet Standard (Level 1 or 2)?
- What is the SBA graduation assessment requirement in high school?
- Should my child study to prepare for the test?
- How can I help my child better prepare for the test?
- Smarter Balanced Assessments – Sample Items