South Dakota · SBAC · grades 3-8
SBAC
Practice Tests
Questions aligned to South Dakota content standards, grades 3-8. Pick a grade and subject and try them without signing up: Math and English/RLA.
Practice SBAC Questions
Pick your child's grade to start. No signup required.
SBAC 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 girl in Rapid City misses an easy word in the first round of her school spelling bee. Instead of quitting, she studies a list every night. The next year, she spells every word in the first five rounds. What is the theme of the story?
- A.Spelling bees are too hard
- B.Hard work after a setback leads to improvement
- C.Easy words are the hardest
- D.It is best to compete only once
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. Hard work after a setback leads to improvement
The girl fails, keeps studying, and improves. The lesson the story teaches is that effort after a setback pays off.
Question 3 · Grade 6 Math · Standard 6.RP.A.3
A tractor plows 45 acres in 3 hours. At this rate, how many acres can it plow in 8 hours?
- A.105 acres
- B.120 acres
- C.135 acres
- D.360 acres
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: B. 120 acres
Unit rate: 45 ÷ 3 = 15 acres per hour. In 8 hours: 15 × 8 = 120 acres.
Question 4 · Grade 7 Math · Standard 7.RP.A.3
A pair of winter boots costs $80. Sales tax is 6%. What is the total cost?
- A.$4.80
- B.$80.06
- C.$84.80
- D.$86.00
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: C. $84.80
6% of $80 = 0.06 × 80 = $4.80. Total: $80 + $4.80 = $84.80. $4.80 is only the tax.
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 SBAC prep works
- 1
Pick your grade
Select your child's grade level. We show which subjects are available for that grade on the SBAC.
- 2
Choose a subject
Pick Math, English/RLA, or Science. Every question is aligned to South Dakota content standards at the right difficulty.
- 3
Practice and learn
Answer questions in the real SBAC format. Every answer gets a detailed explanation so your child learns from mistakes.
Why South Dakota parents choose iMasterly
South Dakota content standards-aligned questions
Every question maps to specific South Dakota content standards and reporting categories. Not generic — built for SBAC.
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
SBAC prep is just one feature. iMasterly teaches 15+ subjects with AI-personalized curriculum.
DOK-matched difficulty
Questions match the real SBAC's Depth of Knowledge distribution for authentic practice.
Built to the real SBAC
Practice tests follow the SBAC'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.
South Dakota's 2027 testing window
The South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) sets one statewide window for the spring tests. Districts schedule the exact days inside it.
| Test | Grades | DOE time estimate | Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD ELA | 3-8 | 2 sessions, 1.5-2 hours each | Mar 29 – May 7, 2027 |
| SD Math | 3-8 | 2 sessions, 1-2 hours each | Mar 29 – May 7, 2027 |
| SD Science | 5, 8 | 1 session, 1-1.5 hours | Mar 29 – May 7, 2027 |
- Students who recently arrived in the U.S. are exempt from ELA in their first year in the country. There is no exemption in math or science.
- Optional interim tests run during the year: Interim Assessment Blocks from August 10, 2026 to May 21, 2027, and the Interim Comprehensive Assessment closing March 5, 2027.
- The alternate ELA and math tests (MSAA), for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities, run March 8 – April 23, 2027.
Source: SD DOE, Key Assessment Milestones 2026-27 and 2026-27 South Dakota Assessment Overview · SD DOE Assessment.
What's on the test
DOE says the South Dakota ELA and math tests are given through the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, online, and use computer adaptive testing, so questions adjust to how your child is doing. Both subjects have an adaptive part and a performance task, a longer task built around one topic.
- Four areas (claims): Reading (literary and informational texts), Writing, Listening and Research.
- The performance task has one research question and one full essay, scored on organization/purpose, evidence/elaboration and conventions.
- Three reported areas: Concepts and Procedures; Problem Solving and Modeling & Data Analysis; Communicating Reasoning.
- Concepts and Procedures is the largest part, about 16-20 questions in grades 3-8.
Average total time South Dakota students actually spent in spring 2025 (hours:minutes):
| Grade | ELA | Math |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | 2:58 | 1:40 |
| Grade 4 | 3:09 | 1:50 |
| Grade 5 | 3:03 | 1:58 |
| Grade 6 | 2:56 | 1:53 |
| Grade 7 | 2:52 | 1:41 |
| Grade 8 | 2:43 | 1:41 |
Sources: SD DOE, Math and ELA Assessments · State Assessment Changes Over the Years · ELA blueprint and math blueprint posted by SD DOE · Individual Student Report example · 2024-25 Technical Report, Tables 17-18.
The four levels and South Dakota's cut scores
Scores run on a 2000-3000 scale and fall into four levels. DOE says Levels 1 and 2 are not proficient and Levels 3 and 4 are proficient.
| Grade | ELA Level 2 | ELA Level 3 | ELA Level 4 | Math Level 2 | Math Level 3 | Math Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | 2367-2431 | 2432-2489 | 2490+ | 2381-2435 | 2436-2500 | 2501+ |
| Grade 4 | 2416-2472 | 2473-2532 | 2533+ | 2411-2484 | 2485-2548 | 2549+ |
| Grade 5 | 2442-2501 | 2502-2581 | 2582+ | 2455-2527 | 2528-2578 | 2579+ |
| Grade 6 | 2457-2530 | 2531-2617 | 2618+ | 2473-2551 | 2552-2609 | 2610+ |
| Grade 7 | 2479-2551 | 2552-2648 | 2649+ | 2484-2566 | 2567-2634 | 2635+ |
| Grade 8 | 2487-2566 | 2567-2667 | 2668+ | 2504-2585 | 2586-2652 | 2653+ |
- Level 1 is any score below the Level 2 range. The cut scores were adopted by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium on November 14, 2014.
- The score report also rates each area of the test as Below, At/Near or Above Standard, with suggested next steps for home.
- Each score has a ± range: DOE's example, 2300 (±10), means a likely range of 2290 to 2310.
Sources: SD DOE, State Assessment Cut Scores · Individual Student Report example · State Assessment Changes Over the Years.
How South Dakota students scored, by grade
Percent of students at Level 3 or 4 in spring 2025, from the 2024-25 technical report DOE posts. About half of students in each grade met the ELA standard; in math, proficiency dropped from about half in grades 3-4 to about four in ten in grades 5-8.
| Grade | ELA proficient | Math proficient |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 | 45% | 51% |
| Grade 4 | 49% | 49% |
| Grade 5 | 50% | 41% |
| Grade 6 | 49% | 43% |
| Grade 7 | 53% | 43% |
| Grade 8 | 51% | 41% |
Source: South Dakota Assessments 2024-2025 Technical Report, Tables 23-27.
Smarter Balanced practice by grade
South Dakota 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, question types and performance task are the same.
Official practice and training tests are linked from the South Dakota Assessment Gateway (see DOE's Interim Assessments page). 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 SBAC Test in South Dakota?
South Dakota's state tests in English language arts (ELA) and math are the SD ELA and Math Assessments. The South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) says they are currently given through the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium and are the same tests given in 2018-19. They are given online every spring, use computer adaptive testing, and measure the state content standards in math and ELA. Each subject has an adaptive part and a performance task. Results are reported in four levels, and Levels 3 and 4 are proficient. Science is a separate test, the SD Science Assessment, in grades 5 and 8. In 2026-27, DOE's overview lists the SD-ACT for grade 11. Results are included in the state accountability system.
When Is the SBAC Test in 2026-27?
SD ELA, SD Math (grades 3-8) and SD Science (grades 5 and 8): March 29 – May 7, 2027, per DOE's 2026-27 assessment overview. DOE estimates ELA at 2 sessions of 1.5-2 hours each and math at 2 sessions of 1-2 hours each. Your district schedules the exact days inside this window.
SBAC Subjects by Grade
| Grade | Subjects Tested |
|---|---|
| Grade 3 | SD ELA and SD Math (Smarter Balanced) |
| Grade 4 | SD ELA and SD Math (Smarter Balanced) |
| Grade 5 | SD ELA and SD Math (Smarter Balanced) + SD Science Assessment |
| Grade 6 | SD ELA and SD Math (Smarter Balanced) |
| Grade 7 | SD ELA and SD Math (Smarter Balanced) |
| Grade 8 | SD ELA and SD Math (Smarter Balanced) + SD Science Assessment |
| Grade 11 | SD-ACT (math, English, reading, writing, science) in 2026-27 |
SBAC Scoring: Understanding Your Child's Results
South Dakota uses the following performance levels. Level 3 is the target: DOE's cut score sheet says the Level 3 cut score and above denotes academic proficiency. The Level 3 cut is higher in each grade, from 2436 in grade 3 math to 2586 in grade 8 math, and from 2432 in grade 3 ELA to 2567 in grade 8 ELA.
Level 4 (meets state standard)
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 (meets state standard)
Has met the achievement standard and demonstrates progress toward mastery of the knowledge and skills needed for likely success in future coursework.
Level 2 (does not meet state standard)
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 (does not meet state standard)
Has not met the achievement standard and needs substantial improvement to demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed for likely success in future coursework.
SBAC Test Format: What to Expect
Computer adaptive
DOE says the tests use computer adaptive technology: each question depends on how your child did on earlier ones, so students see different questions.
Performance task in both subjects
Both ELA and math include a performance task. In ELA it ends with a full essay; in spring 2025 South Dakota students spent between 1 hour 18 minutes and 1 hour 42 minutes on the ELA task on average (grades 3-8), and between 26 and 43 minutes on the math task.
Two sessions per subject
DOE estimates 2 sessions of 1.5-2 hours for ELA and 2 sessions of 1-2 hours for math.
Areas reported
Math reports Concepts and Procedures; Problem Solving and Modeling & Data Analysis; and Communicating Reasoning. ELA covers Reading, Writing, Listening and Research.
What's new for 2026-27
The ELA and math tests themselves are unchanged. DOE's 2026-27 calendar sets the summative window for March 29 – May 7, 2027, slightly later than the spring 2025 online window (March 24 – May 2, 2025). In 2026-27, DOE's overview lists the SD-ACT for grade 11, with SD ELA and math in grades 3-8.
South Dakota SBAC Score Trends
Spring 2025 results by grade, from the 2024-25 technical report posted by DOE:
| Grade / Subject | % proficient (Level 3-4) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 ELA / math | 45% / 51% | |
| Grade 5 ELA / math | 50% / 41% | |
| Grade 8 ELA / math | 51% / 41% |
Math proficiency was lower in grades 5-8 (41-43%) than in grades 3-4 (49-51%), while ELA stayed between 45% and 53% across grades 3-8.
What Makes the SBAC Different From Other State Tests?
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South Dakota has used the Smarter Balanced ELA and math tests since 2014-15 (after a 2013-14 pilot); DOE says the current test is the same as in 2018-19.
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Parents and guardians can ask to view their child's state test under FERPA and South Dakota law (SDCL 13-3-55.2).
- -
Newly arrived students are exempt from ELA in their first year in the U.S., but not from math or science.
- -
DOE's calendar lets districts request 3-year Target Reports starting July 1.
What South Dakota Parents Should Know About the SBAC
Every student who tests gets a score report, distributed by your local school. If you did not get one, DOE says to contact your district office.
Compare your child's scale score with the Level 3 range for their grade in the table above. A score just under the line can move with targeted practice.
You can ask to view your child's completed state test: DOE has a test review process for parents and guardians.
Both subjects include a performance task. Practicing longer, multi-step work (reading sources and writing an essay; solving a multi-part math problem) helps more than short drills alone.
Try the official practice and training tests through the South Dakota Assessment Gateway so the test screens are familiar.
Frequently Asked Questions About the SBAC
What is the South Dakota SBAC?
It is South Dakota's state test in ELA and math, called the SD ELA and Math Assessments. DOE says it is given through the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, online and computer adaptive, in grades 3-8 every spring.
When is the South Dakota state test in 2027?
DOE's 2026-27 overview sets the window for SD ELA, SD Math and SD Science as March 29 – May 7, 2027. Your district picks the exact days.
How long is the South Dakota ELA and math test?
DOE estimates ELA at 2 sessions of 1.5-2 hours each and math at 2 sessions of 1-2 hours each. In spring 2025, grade 5 students averaged about 3 hours on ELA and about 2 hours on math.
What score is proficient on the South Dakota SBAC?
Level 3 or 4. The Level 3 cut is 2436 in grade 3 math, 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.
What do the South Dakota score levels mean?
Level 4: exceeded the achievement standard. Level 3: met it. Level 2: nearly met it and may need further development. Level 1: not met and needs substantial improvement. Levels 3 and 4 are proficient.
How do I get my child's South Dakota test scores?
DOE says every student who participates receives a score report, distributed by the local school. Contact your district office if you did not receive one.
Can I see my child's South Dakota state test?
Yes. Parents and guardians of students enrolled in South Dakota schools during the testing window can request to view their child's assessment, under FERPA and SDCL 13-3-55.2, through DOE's test review process.
Which grades take science in South Dakota?
Grades 5 and 8 take the SD Science Assessment in the same March 29 – May 7, 2027 window, in one session of about 1-1.5 hours. It covers life, physical and earth science.
Are there official South Dakota practice tests?
Yes. Practice and training tests are linked from the South Dakota Assessment Gateway. Smarter Balanced says its practice tests have about 30 questions and its training tests six, with no login needed.
Questions parents ask
What is the SBAC test?
The SBAC is South Dakota's standardized assessment for grades 3-8. Students are tested in Math and English/RLA every year.
How does iMasterly match the real SBAC?
Practice tests are built to the SBAC's published blueprint for each grade and subject: the same reporting categories, question types and point values, with questions written to South Dakota content 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?
SBAC 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.
SBAC is coming. Start practicing today.
Standards-aligned practice for every grade, with every answer explained.