Spring is standardized testing season in Washington schools, and our friends at Hough Elementary (Vancouver Public Schools) help explain what the Smarter Balanced Assessment is all about, and why students should participate.

The Smarter Balanced Assessment is the standardized test that schools around the country are using to measure student readiness in key areas. Many people call it SBAC, which is the acronym of the state-led group that created the testing system.

Assessments give schools, teachers, students and families information about where our students succeed and where they struggle.

  • Students and families learn where there might be learning challenges or a need for extra focus.
  • Schools and teachers learn if some methods and texts are not working for students.

For more information on the Smarter Balanced Assessment, visit: