WHAT IS SMARTER BALANCED (SBAC)?

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) is developing a system of valid, reliable, and fair next-generation assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts/literacy and mathematics. The system - which includes both summative assessments for accountability purposes and optional interim assessments for instruction use - will use computer adaptive testing technologies to the greatest extent possible to provide meaningful feedback and actionable data that teachers and other educators can use to help students succeed.

California is one of many states transitioning to new, next-generation assessments as part of the new educational benchmarks set by the Common Core State Standards. The Smarter Balanced Assessments will measure the full understanding of the Common Core Standards in English language arts/literacy and mathematics. Students in grades 3-8 and grade 11 will take the new assessments - all online, on electronic devices. (Note: Science will be tested using the CST's paper and pencil model in grades 5, 8, and 10). Smarter Balanced assessments will go beyond multiple-choice questions to include extended response and technology enhanced items, as well as performance tasks that allow students to demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

The Smarter Balanced Assessments will offer yearly assessments based on the Common Core State Standards to monitor student learning throughout the year and ensure all students are on-track for college and career.

At Calahan, our wonderful fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Lucente, is our testing coordinator.  

www.smarterbalanced.org

SBAC RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

LAUSD General Student Testing Branch
LAUSD SBAC Student Testing Branch
Smarter Balanced Comprehensive Presentation
Smarter Balanced Factsheet
Testing Calendar 2014-2015
SBAC Estimated Testing Times
Computer Adaptive Software