Last Tuesday Was the First Day of the Smarter Balanced (Common Core) Practice Test

Overall, it was a success on many levels.

• Students learned and experienced the log-in procedures, sound check (they must use headphones), tools, and navigation of the website.
• Almost all progressed through the test without questions or assistance.
• A couple were close to finishing the test in the on hour window. (About twenty minutes of that one hour were spent going through the pre-test log-in and set-up as students were experiencing it "under testing conditions" for the first time.)
• A few actually finished and then reviewed the test.
• Many demonstrated ease at working on a Google Chromebook.

Yet, there are a few things worth noting:

• Students who were absent and those who did not complete the test will be pulled out of class over the next couple of days to complete the test.
• STUDENTS NEED TO PRACTICE TYPING. And editing their sentences.
• DIRECTIONS ARE IMPORTANT. Students need to listen to the test administrator's directions as well as read, understand, and follow them on the online test.
• Students should NEVER pause the test without raising their hand and obtaining the teacher's permission.

Tomorrow, we continue our testing with the Math SBAC Practice Test. Due to tight testing timelines, we will be having an early lunch then we will take our test during what is normally our lunch period.