Directions for teachers to use with their class when taking the Smarter Balanced Practice Test. Directions include steps for providing feedback on the process of taking the test.

1. Smarter Balanced
Practice Test
Directions
Reflect with your class after the test:
1. How that test was different than what
might have been done before?
2. What was easy?
3. What was hard?
4. What do you need to do/improve
upon?

2. Smarter Balanced Practice Test for Classrooms
Grades 3 through 11
BEFORE
Please Note:
All grades 3-11 will take the practice tests. (Grade 12 is optional)
Student will take their own grade level test. (With the following
exceptions)
 10th graders will take the 11th grade test
 9th graders will take the 8th grade test
 Kindergarten and 1st and 2nd graders will not take a
practice test.
This is a practice test, no scores- just a few reflective questions at
the end on Google forms.
Students will be taking the Math Test for this round.
Step 1: Take a Test Yourself
Step 2: Planning a Class Procedure
Before you go to the lab with your class, develop a procedure for taking an
online assessment for your class. Consider seating chart/arrangement, process
for entering lab, acceptable noise level in the lab during a test, and what
students are to do when they have completed the assessment. (Get a book, go
to another site, etc)
Step 3: Prepare the Lab
It is a good idea to make a short visit to the lab to assure that everything is in
order.
Step 4: Demo the sign in procedure for the students in class through the first
item. Be prepared to demo how the help menu works.

3. DURING
Step 1: Lab Directions
Go to the district web site/Teacher Resources/Resources to Support the Common Core
OR you may go to your own school site where you will find the link posted on the front page
Step 2: Choose OK

4. Step 3: Choose SIGN IN
Step 4: Choose a grade from the pull down menu and then choose YES

5. Step 5: Choose a test
Step 6: Choose Settings
Be sure to copy the settings below and to choose BLACK on WHITE unless the other options are easier to read. Then choose SELECT

6. Step 7: Verify Test
Choose YES, START MY TEST
Step 8: Take Test
The test will show the students this help menu.

7. Step 9: Explain navigation to students prior to lab time.
Item Directions: Shows
students what to do
Notes: Allows students to take notes
Note:
Flag: Flags item so student can return
later
Zoom
Turn page
Save: EVERY ANSWER MUST BE
SAVED BEFORE MOVING ON

8. Note the highlighting to select an answer.
Step 10: End Test
When students are finished taking the test, they may scroll back and forth looking for flagged items to complete.
When they are ready to submit, they will need to choose END TEST option to log out.
Step 11: Confirm End of Test
Choose YES or NO

9. Step 12: IF you choose NO, then you will be given the option to review your answers
Step 13: Submit again

10. Step 14: Review again or submit
Step 15: You are almost done!

11. AFTER
Step 1: Student Reflection Discussion
Reflect with your class as soon as possible after completing the test.
Ask students in a discussion format:
5.
6.
7.
8.
Tell me five reasons how that test was different than what might have been done before?
What was the easiest part?
What was the hardest part?
What are three things you think you need to be able to do/improve in order to be able to complete a
test like this in the future?
Step 2: Teacher Reflection
9. Rate from 1-10, how well did the computers work in the lab?
10.Rate from 1-10, how well did the internet speed work?
11.On a scale of 1-10, how well did the students handle the interface of the test?
12.On a scale of 1- 10, how comfortable were you with the deployment of the test? (not the
format or content, but the tech aspect)
13.From your teacher point of view, what do you think you need to do to prepare your
Look in your email inbox for the survey from Marlena or email her for the survey.
students (content) for this type of test?
Complete the online feedback form based on the discussion you had with your class.