Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) and the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)

  • Where do I go to see my student’s scores?

    Families will be told by their student's school when SBA and WCAS are available. Scores can be found online: ParentVUE. 

    If you are having trouble activating your account, please submit a HelpDesk ticket.

     

    What is the SBA? What is the WCAS?

    The Smarter Balanced Assessments in mathematics and English Language Arts (reading and writing) and the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) are online required state tests.

     

    Who takes the SBA and WCAS?

    •Grades 3-8, and grade 10 take the SBA in English Language Arts and Math.
    •Grades 5, 8 and 11 take the WCAS.

     

    When is testing? Should we do anything special?

    Testing begins after Spring Break, but test days are different at each school. Your school will tell you when testing will take place and what to expect on test days. Contact your school directly with questions.

     

    Do you have questions or concerns about your student’s scores?

    Reach out to your student’s teacher or principal. They can tell you what is being done at school and how you can help.

     

    As a parent or guardian, how can I help my student?

    Cheer on your students and let them know to try their best!

     

    How does testing help my student’s school?

    SBA and WCAS scores help the state, district, and school leaders make important choices about training for teachers, curriculum, instruction, funding and more.

     

    How does testing help my student?

    Teachers use the scores to plan lessons and review, identify strengths and weaknesses in what they are teaching, and to find ways to support your students. Students use the scores to make goals, review tests and understand what they know and can do.

     

    How are students with IEP and/or 504 plans tested?

    Students with an IEP, 504 plan, or English language services plan, will get accommodations and supports as indicated in their program plans. IEP students with significant disabilities may qualify for an alternate assessment, see below.

     

    My student does not have an IEP or 504 plan. Are there supports still available?

    Talk with your student’s teacher or principal about what your student uses in class to show what they know and can do and what is available on the test. 

  • WA-AIM  (special education alternate)

    Students with significant cognitive disabilities can take the WA-AIM instead of SBA and WCAS. IEP teams will decide at the IEP meeting if the student can take WA-AIM. The WA-AIM is a portfolio of identified tasks collected over time by their case manager during class. 

     

    Questions about WA-AIM?

    Contact your student’s case manager for more information.