1. 7 th Grade Parent Newsletter March/April SBAC Edition For the March and April newsletter we wanted to share information about our state assessment, SBAC. Read this newsletter carefully as it is filled with dates, strategies, and basic terminology and information about the test your child will take this spring. What does SBAC stand for? Our statement assessment SBAC stands for: Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium. Smarter Balanced member states have worked with thousands of educators to design and test the assessment needs of teachers. Smarter Balance is more than just a year- end test. Below are some key features of the test. Measure critical thinking with questions that ask students to demonstrate their research, writing, and problem solving skills. Assessments are untimed and students can take breaks, so they can do their best. Developed with input from K-12 teachers, higher education faculty, and other experts. For Language Arts the specific sections on the test include: multiple choice, constructed response, and performance tasks. Can I see what a test looks like? Below are some resources for parents and students: Take the Practice Test: http://www.smarterbalanced.org/practice- test/ Visit the Smarter Balanced website: http://www.smarterbalanced.org OSPI: State Curriculum and Standards https://www.k12.wa.us/smarter/default.as px 7 th Grade Language Arts Department: Here are some areas we have covered at Pioneer to assist and help your child: 1.Vocabulary – We have worked to teach and cover the essential terms found in the questions/skills. 2.Writing – We have reviewed the major writing styles asked of students (Expository, Narrative, and Argumentative) 3.Test Taking Strategies- Prior to the test we will discuss and remind students of basic test taking strategies. 4.Exploring the practice test – Each 7 th grade student will have the opportunity to see a practice test and use the computer in order to know how to properly use the tools, etc. 5.CCSS- Common Core State Standards are the driving force of our curriculum and we have covered the major skills we know are assessed. (Cause/Effect, Theme, Comparison, Figurative Language, Mood/Tone/ Point of View, etc.) 6.TAP Classes- We have taught afterschool classes to help students with reading/writing skills.

2. How can I help my child on testing day? 1.Timely – Please be sure your child comes to school on-time for testing days. Avoid dental and doctor appointments on testing days. 2.Breakfast- Have a well-balanced breakfast and pack a healthy snack on testing days. 3.Positive Encouragement – It is beneficial for your child to come with a positive, open-mind on testing day. Reinforce that they are capable and prepared to show what they know! A peek at what an ELA Test question looks like: Students will be asked to complete at least 1 performance task in Language Arts and one for Math. For this task they read research information, are presented with a question, and asked to compose a paper. 7 th Grade Testing Days for Language Arts and Math: April 21 st, 23 rd, 24 th – Language Arts Testing April 28 th, April 30 th – Math Testing Extra Credit Opportunity: We would like to send home a practice both for reading and writing and offer Extra Credit to students who turn them in by: _________________