2015 SBAC Results
Smarter Balanced assessment test results provide new baseline to measure academic achievement
WALLA WALLA – Monday school districts across the state of Washington received results from the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) assessments taken electronically this spring by students in grades 3-8, 10 and 11. The exams were in English Language Arts (reading, writing and listening) and mathematics. This was the first year of full implementation of the new tests which are designed to measure the Washington State Learning standards (Common Core State Standards). The SBAC exams will gradually replace the High School Proficiency and End of Course exams by the Class of 2019. Student results from this year’s assessment establish a new baseline for data that will be able to show progress toward college and career readiness, according to Curriculum Director Dr. Tracy Williams.
“Student results from this year’s assessment will be a new starting point from which we will be able to show growth in student learning in the future,” said Dr. Williams. “The 2015 results are not an “apples to apples” comparison from previous results and will not be featured in a side-by-side glance with Spring 2014 results.”
Annual assessments provide an academic check-up and give teachers, students, and families a snapshot view about how students are doing in school and whether they are on the path to success after high school. Nearly 4,000 Walla Walla Public Schools students participated in the state exam this spring at all grade levels. District students generally are on par with students across the state in English Language Arts. A highlight includes 73 percent of 10th grade students scored at or above the career and college readiness benchmark in English Language Arts.
“This is a new way of assessing and the first year we have administered the new Washington State Learning Standards,” said Superintendent Dr. Bill Jordan. “These results will provide useful feedback for our administration, teachers and students as we continue to refine our school improvement plans especially as it pertains to math.”
States are required to reach 95 percent participation on state tests as one way to help ensure schools are meeting the needs of all students in all groups. Walla Walla Public Schools total participation rate for all grade levels in both content areas exceeded 97 percent. High school students who earn a 3 or 4 on the tests can use their scores for college course placement at nearly 200 colleges and universities in six states, once they are admitted, instead of taking costly additional placement tests or additional courses that do not accrue college level credits.
Career and college readiness goals are key: A March 2013 Washington Roundtable report states 50,000 jobs will remain unfilled in Washington state for highly skilled workers by 2017. The report also cites 80 percent of the new jobs created in Washington will be in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and healthcare by 2017 and 70 percent of jobs in the state will require a college degree or certificate by 2018.
“We are committed to strengthening college and career ready learning environments,” Dr. Williams said. “Curriculum and instruction alignment will continue this fall and throughout the school year to assure that Walla Walla Public Schools students receive a quality education and are making academic progress.”
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