Dear Parent/Guardian [or actual names]:

This spring, your child will take the Smarter Balanced tests in math and English language arts. Students in grades 5, 8, and 11 will also take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS).

This is the fifth year our state will administer the Smarter Balanced tests and the second year for the WCAS. The results from these tests will give a more accurate picture of whether students are on track to be ready for college or career.

Most students will take the tests online. Our school is scheduled to take the tests [insert your school’s testing dates].

For more information about the Smarter Balanced tests, visit www.k12.wa.us/smarter.

To try out an online Smarter Balanced practice test, visit https://wa.portal.airast.org/training-tests.stml.

For more information about the WCAS, visit http://www.k12.wa.us/Science/Assessments.aspx.

To try out a WCAS training test, visit https://wa.portal.airast.org/training-tests.stml.

We realize that this year, a portion of the state testing window coincides with the observance of Ramadan. We want to make sure that you are well informed of our testing schedule, so you may help prepare your child to do their best on the assessments. We will be able to offer testing sessions in the morning and will monitor students for fatigue.

Please consider the following:

• Allow your child to eat, or participate in partial day fasting, on testing days.

• Ensure your child is getting sufficient sleep the night before testing days.

• Make sure your child is eating prior coming to school to provide enough energy for the day.

• If your student chooses to observe fasting, testing can be scheduled in the morning.

Please call or email [insert school or district contact person/team] if you have questions about state testing.

Thank you for continuing to work with us to make sure your child is successful. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to better support your child. We want your child to leave us with a solid foundation of skills and a future full of opportunities.

Sincerely,

[Insert principal’s name]