Eight points on South Dakota's new tests

Spring has become testing season for South Dakota schools.

Tuesday marked the first day teachers could administer Common Core-based state exams in math and English-language arts. The testing window for the Smarter Balanced exams continues until May 15, which means even if your student isn't taking the test this week, it's probably around the corner.

Here are eight things to know about Smarter Balanced:

1. Students in grades 3-8 and 11 will be tested for proficiency in math and English-language arts.

2. Students can take the test on desktop computers, laptops or tablets, but each piece of technology needs to be tailored to the exam.

3. Students click onto a secure browser to take the test, blocking their access to other programs or "apps."

4. No calculator allowed – at least not the physical kind. Students can only use the online calculator on the exam browser.

5. Students could spend an average of 6 to 7 hours answering questions, according to state education officials. They recommend taking several days to administer the exam, spreading the workload.

6. Get a question right, and the exam could move up a grade-level. Get one wrong, and the next question might be easier. Smarter Balanced adapts to student performance.

7. Grading the tests should be quicker and easier than the Dakota STEP, state officials say.

8. Results will be reported later this year as part of South Dakota's yearly school report cards.