• SBAC Logo
     
     Parents and Students
            The Smarter Balance Assessment System will give parents and student more accurate and actionable information about what students are learning.  Because these assessments are computer adaptive, they will also provide better information about the needs and successes of individual students.
     
    These next-generation assessments are aligned  to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts/literacy and mathematics for grade 3-8 and 11.  That means students in all states will be taught to the same high standards.  
     
    Smarter Balanced will provide parents, students, and teachers a clear window on whether students are on track to graduate high school, ready for college and the workplace.   
     
    Parents and students will receive the results of these assessments form their school system in a readable and easy to understand format.  Parents can use this information to better communicate with teachers and school administrators about their child's success. 
     
    Improving Teaching and Learning
     
    The Smarter Balanced approach includes a number of differences from most state assessments today.
     
         These assessments will be administered online and will go beyond multiple choice questions to include performance tasks that allow students to demonstrate research, writing, and analytical skills.
     
        In addition to a year-end test, teachers will be able to administer interim assessments throughout the school year to monitor student progress and make adjustments to instruction.
     
        Accommodations for students with disabilities and English language learners will be built into the system so that the progress of students can be accurately measured.
     
        An online reporting system will provide clear, easy-to-understand data on student achievement and growth.  These reports will present parents, teachers, principals, and other local and state leaders with information they can use to help students make even greater progress.  Learn more about the development of the Smarter Balanced reporting system.