Hawaii · SBA · grades 3-8
SBA
Practice Tests
Questions aligned to Hawaii Common Core Standards, grades 3-8. Pick a grade and subject and try them without signing up: Math and English/RLA.
Practice SBA Questions
Pick your child's grade to start. No signup required.
SBA sample questions with answers
One question from each of several grades, with the answer and a step-by-step explanation. Open a question's answer when your child has tried it.
Question 1 · Grade 3 Math · Standard 3.OA.C.7
What is 54 ÷ 6?
- A.7
- B.8
- C.9
- D.10
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C. 9
54 ÷ 6 = 9. Think: 6 × 9 = 54. Division is the inverse of multiplication.
Question 2 · Grade 4 English · Standard RL.4.2
In a story, a boy joins an outrigger canoe team. At first he paddles out of rhythm and the canoe wobbles. He practices with his team every afternoon, and by the end of summer they glide smoothly across the bay together. What is the theme of the story?
- A.Canoes are hard to steer
- B.Steady practice and teamwork help people improve
- C.Summer is the best season
- D.It is better to paddle alone
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. Steady practice and teamwork help people improve
The boy starts out struggling, practices with his team, and improves. The lesson is that practice and working together lead to success.
Question 3 · Grade 6 Math · Standard 6.RP.A.3
A ferry travels 84 miles in 4 hours. At this rate, how far will it travel in 7 hours?
- A.126 miles
- B.147 miles
- C.168 miles
- D.588 miles
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. 147 miles
Unit rate: 84 ÷ 4 = 21 miles per hour. In 7 hours: 21 × 7 = 147 miles.
Question 4 · Grade 7 Math · Standard 7.RP.A.3
A surfboard costs $240. It is on sale for 15% off. What is the sale price?
- A.$36
- B.$204
- C.$225
- D.$276
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. $204
15% of $240 = 0.15 × 240 = $36 off. Sale price: $240 − $36 = $204. $36 is the discount, not the price.
Question 5 · Grade 8 English · Standard RL.8.4
In a poem, the speaker says: "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul." The poet uses this metaphor to suggest that hope —
- A.Is fragile and easily broken
- B.Lives inside us like a bird, always ready to sing
- C.Belongs only to people with birds
- D.Is the same as a pet
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. Lives inside us like a bird, always ready to sing
Emily Dickinson's metaphor compares hope to a bird — it 'perches in the soul,' suggesting hope lives within us and, like a bird, can take flight or sing even in dark times.
Every grade, every subject
How SBA prep works
- 1
Pick your grade
Select your child's grade level. We show which subjects are available for that grade on the SBA.
- 2
Choose a subject
Pick Math, English/RLA, or Science. Every question is aligned to Hawaii Common Core Standards at the right difficulty.
- 3
Practice and learn
Answer questions in the real SBA format. Every answer gets a detailed explanation so your child learns from mistakes.
Why Hawaii parents choose iMasterly
Hawaii Common Core Standards-aligned questions
Every question maps to specific Hawaii Common Core Standards and reporting categories. Not generic — built for SBA.
Verified accuracy
Every question is checked and verified against the answer key. No wrong answers to trip your child up.
Misconception-based distractors
Wrong answers target the exact mistakes students make. Your child learns WHY they got it wrong.
Beyond test prep
SBA prep is just one feature. iMasterly teaches 15+ subjects with AI-personalized curriculum.
DOK-matched difficulty
Questions match the real SBA's Depth of Knowledge distribution for authentic practice.
Built to the real SBA
Practice tests follow the SBA's published blueprint for each grade and subject: the same standards, question types and points as test day, with original questions and every answer explained.
When Hawaii students take the SBA
The Smarter Balanced tests are given in the spring. HIDOE sets one statewide window and each school sets its own schedule inside it. When we checked HIDOE's testing page (October 29, 2026), it still listed the 2025-26 windows; the 2026-27 dates were not posted yet. Last year's windows show the usual pattern:
- In 2024-25 the main window was February 18 – May 30, 2025, about three months.
- HIDOE says the SBA is not timed and can be given over several days. Your child's school tells you its schedule.
- Once started, the adaptive part must be finished within 45 calendar days and the ELA performance task within 10 calendar days.
Sources: HIDOE, Types of Testing · Hawaiʻi Smarter Balanced Assessments 2024-2025 Technical Report · HIDOE 2025-26 Parent Information Booklet.
What's on the test, and how long it takes
Hawaii's version differs from many Smarter Balanced states in one way parents should know: the ELA test has two parts (an adaptive test and a performance task), but the math test is the adaptive test only. HIDOE estimates the ELA test at about 2 to 3½ hours and math at about 1 to 2 hours, and a student may stop and finish on another day.
| Grade | ELA, average total | of which performance task | Math, average (adaptive only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | 2:43 | 1:50 | 0:51 |
| Grade 4 | 3:17 | 2:16 | 1:00 |
| Grade 5 | 3:28 | 2:23 | 1:08 |
| Grade 6 | 3:10 | 2:03 | 1:02 |
| Grade 7 | 2:54 | 1:52 | 1:02 |
| Grade 8 | 2:53 | 1:52 | 1:08 |
Times are hours:minutes, averaged over all Hawaii students in spring 2025. Some students took much longer: in grade 5 ELA, one student in ten took more than 6 hours 12 minutes, which is why HIDOE does not time the test.
Question types
- Multiple choice: pick an answer from a set of options.
- Typed answers ("natural language"): short and longer written responses.
- Interactive: move items or draw a response on a grid with the mouse or keyboard.
- Equation editor: enter a math expression or equation.
- Simulations: work with data and answer in different formats.
On-screen tools include zoom, highlighter, strike-out of wrong answer choices and mark-for-review. Accessibility supports include separate settings, text-to-speech and a Spanish version of the math test; braille and paper versions were also offered in 2024-25.
Sources: HIDOE 2025-26 Parent Information Booklet · 2024-25 Technical Report, Tables 2, 18 and 19.
The four score levels and the cut scores
Hawaii's family score report places each student in one of four levels. HIDOE says students at Level 3 or 4 have shown the knowledge and skills needed for college and career readiness if they keep progressing, and students at Level 1 or 2 will need additional supports.
Minimum scale score for each level:
| Grade | ELA L2 | ELA L3 | ELA L4 | Math L2 | Math L3 | Math L4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | 2367 | 2432 | 2490 | 2381 | 2436 | 2501 |
| Grade 4 | 2416 | 2473 | 2533 | 2411 | 2485 | 2549 |
| Grade 5 | 2442 | 2502 | 2582 | 2455 | 2528 | 2579 |
| Grade 6 | 2457 | 2531 | 2618 | 2473 | 2552 | 2610 |
| Grade 7 | 2479 | 2552 | 2649 | 2484 | 2567 | 2635 |
| Grade 8 | 2487 | 2567 | 2668 | 2504 | 2586 | 2653 |
- Each score comes with a ± range. HIDOE's example: 2444 (±22) means the student's score likely falls between 2422 and 2466.
- The Level 3 line is higher in each grade, so the same scale score next year can mean a lower level.
- Because Hawaii uses shortened tests, individual reports since 2021-22 rate only Reading and Writing (ELA) and Concepts & Procedures (math) as Below, At/Near or Above Standard.
Sources: HIDOE, Hawaiʻi Smarter Balanced Assessments Family Report Interpretive Guide · 2024-25 Technical Report, Table 55 and Section 5.
How Hawaii students scored, by grade
Percent of students at Level 3 or 4 in spring 2025, from HIDOE's 2024-25 technical report. Math proficiency falls steadily from grade 3 to grade 8, while ELA holds in the low-to-mid 50s.
| Grade | ELA proficient | Math proficient |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | 49% | 53% |
| Grade 4 | 52% | 50% |
| Grade 5 | 56% | 45% |
| Grade 6 | 53% | 41% |
| Grade 7 | 54% | 38% |
| Grade 8 | 54% | 35% |
Source: Hawaiʻi Smarter Balanced Assessments 2024-2025 Technical Report, Tables 24-28.
Smarter Balanced practice by grade
Hawaii gives the Smarter Balanced ELA and math tests shared by the member states, so our Smarter Balanced grade pages apply here too. They were written with California's version (called CAASPP) in mind, so the score names and statistics on them are California's; the skills and question types are the same. Remember that Hawaii's math test has no performance task.
Official practice and training tests are on Hawaii's Smarter Balanced portal (alohahsap.org). Smarter Balanced says its practice tests have about 30 questions and its training tests six, need no login, and that you should use your own state's version: smarterbalanced.org practice tests.
Updated October 30, 2026
What Is the SBA Test in Hawaii?
Hawaii's state tests in English language arts (ELA) and math are the Hawaiʻi Smarter Balanced Assessments, which the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) calls the SBA. They are part of the Hawaiʻi Statewide Assessment Program (HSAP), are mandatory in grades 3-8 and 11, and are aligned to the Hawaiʻi Common Core Standards. HIDOE says they are designed to measure whether students are on track for college and career readiness. The ELA test has a computer adaptive part, where questions adjust to how your child is doing, and a performance task; the math test is the computer adaptive part only. Science is a separate test, the Hawaiʻi State Science (NGSS) Assessment, in grades 5 and 8. Hawaii first gave these ELA and math tests in spring 2015.
When Is the SBA Test in 2025-26 (latest posted)?
HIDOE's 2025-26 window for Smarter Balanced ELA and math, grades 3-8 and 11, was February 17 – May 28, 2026 (multitrack schools on the Red, Blue and Green tracks: March 9 – June 12, 2026). As of October 29, 2026, HIDOE had not yet posted the 2026-27 window on its testing page. Your child's school sets its own testing days inside the state window.
SBA Subjects by Grade
| Grade | Subjects Tested |
|---|---|
| Grade 3 | ELA and math (Smarter Balanced) |
| Grade 4 | ELA and math (Smarter Balanced) |
| Grade 5 | ELA and math (Smarter Balanced) + Hawaiʻi State Science (NGSS) Assessment |
| Grade 6 | ELA and math (Smarter Balanced) |
| Grade 7 | ELA and math (Smarter Balanced) |
| Grade 8 | ELA and math (Smarter Balanced) + Hawaiʻi State Science (NGSS) Assessment |
| Grade 11 | ELA and math (Smarter Balanced) |
SBA Scoring: Understanding Your Child's Results
Hawaii uses the following performance levels. Level 3 (Standard Met) or Level 4 (Standard Exceeded) counts as meeting the standard. The Level 3 cut is higher in each grade: in math it is 2436 in grade 3 and 2586 in grade 8; in ELA it is 2432 in grade 3 and 2567 in grade 8. HIDOE's family guide says Level 1 and 2 students will need additional supports and instruction.
Level 4: Standard Exceeded
Has exceeded the achievement standard and demonstrates advanced progress toward mastery of the knowledge and skills needed for likely success in future coursework.
Level 3: Standard Met
Has met the achievement standard and demonstrates progress toward mastery of the knowledge and skills needed for likely success in future coursework.
Level 2: Standard Nearly Met
Has nearly met the achievement standard and may require further development to demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed for likely success in future coursework.
Level 1: Standard Not Met
Has not met the achievement standard and needs substantial improvement to demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed for likely success in future coursework.
SBA Test Format: What to Expect
ELA: adaptive test + performance task
The ELA test has a computer adaptive part and a performance task, a longer task on one topic. In 2024-25 the performance task took Hawaii students in grades 3-8 between 1 hour 50 minutes and 2 hours 23 minutes on average, more than the adaptive part.
Math: adaptive test only
HIDOE's parent booklet says the Hawaii math test consists of the computer adaptive test only. On average it took Hawaii students about 50 to 70 minutes in 2024-25.
Untimed, over several days
HIDOE says the SBA is not timed and can be given over several days. A student may exit and return another day; the system remembers which questions were answered.
Spanish math option
A Spanish version of the math test is offered, along with supports such as text-to-speech and separate settings.
What's new: 2025-26 results and the 2029 targets
The test format has not changed. HIDOE's October 8, 2026 release showed math proficiency rising for the fourth straight year, to 42.5%, while language arts slipped from 53.8% to 53.2%. The Board of Education's 2029 targets are 65% in language arts and 50% in math. Results feed Strive HI, HIDOE's school improvement and accountability system.
Hawaii SBA Score Trends
HIDOE released 2025-26 Strive HI results on October 8, 2026. Statewide, across all tested grades:
| Grade / Subject | % proficient | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Language arts | 53.2% | 53.8% in 2024-25; 54.1% before the pandemic |
| Math | 42.5% | 42.2% in 2024-25; up from 38.5% in 2021-22 |
| Science | About 44% | Held steady |
HIDOE says proficiency must rise faster over the next three years to reach the Board of Education's 2029 targets of 65% in language arts and 50% in math.
What Makes the SBA Different From Other State Tests?
- -
Unlike many Smarter Balanced states, Hawaii's math test has no performance task: it is the adaptive test only.
- -
Hawaii uses shortened test blueprints, so since 2021-22 individual reports rate only Reading, Writing and math Concepts & Procedures by area.
- -
Grade 3 and 4 students in Kaiapuni (Hawaiian language immersion) schools are covered by a federal "double testing" waiver and do not also take the SBA.
- -
Families get results in the fall, before HIDOE releases school and state results publicly, on paper or through the Hawaiʻi Statewide Assessments Family Portal.
What Hawaii Parents Should Know About the SBA
Watch for the fall score report: HIDOE says families get results in the fall, either a paper report from the school or a link with an access code to the Hawaiʻi Statewide Assessments Family Portal. You can ask for braille, large print or an oral translation.
Look at the scale score, not only the level. Compare it with the Level 3 cut for your child's grade in the table above, and remember each score has a ± range.
The ELA performance task is the long part: in 2024-25 it took longer on average than the whole math test. Practice reading sources and writing a full response.
Math is adaptive only in Hawaii, so every math question counts toward a short test. Accuracy on core skills matters.
HIDOE's advice for test time is simple: sleep, a good breakfast and steady attendance. Official practice tests are on alohahsap.org.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SBA
What is the SBA test in Hawaii?
The SBA is what HIDOE calls the Hawaiʻi Smarter Balanced Assessments in English language arts and math. They are mandatory in grades 3-8 and 11, given in the spring, and aligned to the Hawaiʻi Common Core Standards. Science is a separate test in grades 5 and 8.
When is the Hawaii SBA in 2027?
As of October 29, 2026, HIDOE had not posted the 2026-27 window. In 2025-26 the window for grades 3-8 and 11 was February 17 – May 28, 2026 (March 9 – June 12, 2026 for multitrack Red, Blue and Green tracks). Your school sets the exact days.
How long is the Hawaii SBA?
HIDOE estimates about 2 to 3½ hours for ELA and about 1 to 2 hours for math. The test is untimed and can be spread over several days. In 2024-25, grade 5 students averaged about 3½ hours on ELA and a little over an hour on math.
Does the Hawaii math SBA have a performance task?
No. HIDOE's parent booklet says the Smarter Balanced math assessment in Hawaii consists of the computer adaptive test only. The ELA assessment has both a computer adaptive test and a performance task.
What are the Hawaii SBA score levels?
Level 1: Standard Not Met, Level 2: Standard Nearly Met, Level 3: Standard Met and Level 4: Standard Exceeded. Levels 3 and 4 meet the standard.
What SBA score is proficient in Hawaii?
It depends on the grade. The Level 3 cut in math is 2436 (grade 3), 2485 (4), 2528 (5), 2552 (6), 2567 (7) and 2586 (8). In ELA it is 2432, 2473, 2502, 2531, 2552 and 2567 for grades 3-8.
When do Hawaii SBA results come out?
HIDOE says families receive results in the fall, before school and state results are released publicly. You get either a paper report from the school or a link with an access code to the Hawaiʻi Statewide Assessments Family Portal.
Are there official Hawaii SBA practice tests?
Yes. HIDOE points families to the practice and training tests on alohahsap.org. Smarter Balanced says its practice tests have about 30 questions, its training tests six, and no login is needed.
Do Kaiapuni students take the SBA?
HIDOE says grade 3 and 4 Kaiapuni students are covered by a U.S. Department of Education "double testing" waiver, so they do not also take the SBA. Students with significant cognitive disabilities take the HSA-Alternate instead.
Questions parents ask
What is the SBA test?
The SBA is Hawaii's standardized assessment for grades 3-8. Students are tested in Math and English/RLA every year.
How does iMasterly match the real SBA?
Practice tests are built to the SBA's published blueprint for each grade and subject: the same reporting categories, question types and point values, with questions written to Hawaii Common Core Standards. Before a question goes into the bank it is checked independently: a separate check solves it from scratch without seeing the answer key, and on math questions code checks the arithmetic. Questions that fail are reworked and checked again; any that still fail are held back and never shown to your child.
What does it cost?
SBA practice is not sold separately: it comes with the AI tutoring and personalized curriculum. Current plans are on the pricing page.
How many practice questions are available?
iMasterly has a deep bank of standards-aligned practice questions for every grade and subject, so your child can keep practicing without running out.
SBA is coming. Start practicing today.
Standards-aligned practice for every grade, with every answer explained.