Prepare for the SBAC test performance task with a high-stakes mission into the shadows! This Narrative Writing Mini Performance Task is designed to mimic the format and rigor of the CAASPP or SBAC end-of-year state test while keeping students engaged with the thrilling world of Revolutionary War Espionage.

Perfect for test prep, this resource helps students practice the difficult skill of incorporating historical evidence and primary-source-style facts from informational texts into a high-quality narrative writing piece. It’s the perfect "on-ramp" for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders before they face the real deal.

What’s Included?

• Informational Text Source #1: "The Spies Behind the Lines" – A high-interest text covering the Culper Spy Ring, Anna Strong’s laundry codes, invisible ink, and James Armistead Lafayette. This text is written at three differentiated levels that all cover the same basic information:

  • Level A: ~354 words

  • Level B: ~439 words

  • Level C: ~569 words

• Informational Text Source #2: "Coding the Revolution" – An additional source covering the technical side of spycraft, including cipher wheels, codebooks, and the Culper Dictionary.

• Informational Text Source #3: "Women and Teenagers of the Revolution" – Explores the "invisible" spies the British never suspected, featuring Lydia Darragh’s button code and Sybil Ludington’s midnight ride.

• 3 Differentiated Narrative Writing Prompts: Choose from 3 different perspectives: The Clothesline Code (Farm-side signaling), The Invisible Message (Courier mission), In the Enemy Camp (Double agent perspective)

• Part 1 Research Questions: 3 text-dependent questions for Source #1 (Multiple Choice, Multi-Select, and Short Answer) modeled after the CAASPP test format. ANSWER KEY INCLUDED.

• Student-Friendly Scoring Rubrics: "Kid-Friendly" SBAC-aligned checklists include space for student self-reflection and are based on the official 4-point scale for:

  • Organization & Purpose

  • Evidence & Elaboration

  • Conventions

• 6 Full-Length Exemplar Stories: You'll get 3 exemplar texts for each narrative prompt based solely on Source 1 information, as well as 3 exemplar texts that integrate details from all 3 sources. These exemplars show students exactly what a "Level 4" response looks like.

• Bonus Writing Prompts: Includes an Informational Writing Prompt (Spy Methods) and an Opinion Writing Prompt(Technology vs. People) for extra practice!

• Digital Google Slides & Docs: Tools for teacher modeling and student keyboarding practice for all 5 writing prompts.

• Writing Type Scratch-Off Cards: A fun engagement tool! After planning for all three writing types, students scratch off a card to see which one they will actually write for the final task. (1" stickers not included).

Why You’ll Love It:

• Differentiated for Grades 3-6: While written at a 4th-5th grade reading level, the prompts and tasks are easily adaptable for a range of learners.

• Standards-Aligned: Focuses on Common Core ELA standards for integrating information, citing evidence, and narrative structure.

• No-Prep Test Prep: Just print and go! This "mini-PT" is the perfect length for a 2-5 day writing workshop or a mock-testing session.

I'd love to hear how you use this resource in your classroom! Feel free to email me at iteachiwrite@yahoo.com with any questions or suggestions you may have.

Copyright © iTeach & iWrite by Betsy Newmeyer.

All rights reserved by the author.

Permission to use for single classroom use only.