Clarkston High School is gearing up for an important assessment as 10th-grade students prepare to take on the Smarter Balanced English Language Arts (ELA) State Assessment. Scheduled to begin Monday, March 18th in their English classes.

The Smarter Balanced ELA assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed to measure students' proficiency in essential English language skills necessary for their academic and future endeavors. To ensure clarity and preparedness for this assessment, here are some crucial details for parents and guardians to note:

  • Testing Dates: The assessment will span multiple sessions, beginning on Monday, March 18th.

  • Testing Format: All testing will be conducted online, providing students with a dynamic and adaptive environment. This means that the difficulty level of the questions will adjust based on each student's responses, ensuring a tailored evaluation experience.

  • Duration: Unlike traditional timed tests, the Smarter Balanced ELA assessment is untimed. However, each subject test (ELA or math) will encompass multiple sessions, with an estimated testing time of 3.5 – 4 hours per subject.

  • Components: The assessment comprises two main components. Firstly, a computer-adaptive section featuring various question formats such as multiple choice and fill in the blank. Secondly, a performance task section aimed at gauging students' depth of understanding, research skills, and analytical abilities.

Efforts are underway to minimize disruptions to students' regular schedules while ensuring they have the necessary time and resources to complete the assessment effectively. Parental support during this critical period is paramount. Encouraging your child to approach the assessment with a positive attitude can significantly enhance their performance.

Thank you for your unwavering support.