Fifth Grade · Writing · week 28

Understanding the SBAC Performance Task

Learn the format of a state-test performance task: reading two short sources, taking brief notes, and writing an essay that integrates evidence from both.

The SBAC performance task is part of California's state test: you read two or three short passages on one topic, then write an essay using evidence from those specific passages, not from outside knowledge alone.

The key skill is reading both sources carefully, taking brief notes labeled by source, Source 1 and Source 2, and pulling specific evidence from each into your essay, citing which source it came from.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Explain in plain terms that SBAC is part of the state test most California students take, and this performance task is one part of the writing section.
  • Practice with two short articles on any topic: read both, take labeled notes, then write a few evidence sentences citing each source.
  • Time a short practice round so your child gets a feel for the task without added pressure.
  • Reassure your child that everything practiced all year, thesis, evidence, elaboration, organization, is exactly what this task asks for -- it is not a brand-new skill.
Talk about it:
  • What is the SBAC performance task asking a student to do?
  • Why does evidence need to be cited by source in this kind of essay?
  • How does this task connect to skills you already practiced this year?

Mastery looks like: They read two provided sources, take source-labeled notes, and write essay sentences that integrate and cite evidence from both sources.

Common stumbles: Writing from outside knowledge instead of the provided sources; failing to note or mention which source a piece of evidence came from.

See it visually

Interactive, spoken-aloud tools that show this idea in motion.

Essay & Thesis PlannerShape a thesis and outline an intro, body, and conclusion.try →
Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Writing for this learner.
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