Stay Connected to the Smarter Balanced Assessment ConsortiumEach month, the SBAC will provide updates on the development of the Smarter Balanced assessment system and activities in member states. Their goal is not only to provide information about our progress, but also to create a forum to share knowledge and resources about the Common Core State Standards and next-generation assessments. To stay connected, you can sign up to receive their monthly eNewsletter, Smarter News . The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) SpecificationsThe SBAC provides content specifications, item/task specifications, and guidelines for accessibility. Content specifications ensure that the SBAC assessments cover the range and knowledge and skills in the Common Core State Standards. Item/task specifications provide guidance on how to translate the SBAC content specifications into actual assessment items (including technology enhanced items and performance tasks). The guidelines for accessibility provide clarity for how the assessment will meet the needs of our unique students (including but not limited to English Language Learners and blind and deaf students).
SBAC Computer Adaptive Testing PresentationThis recorded webinar addresses the advantages of adaptive testing and the critical decision points in designing, developing and administering an effective computer adaptive assessments to measure student achievement and growth.
SBAC Frequently Asked QuestionsThis link provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Smarter Balanced Assessment. Example; How is Smarter Balanced different than current assessments? Introducing Smarter Balanced to ParentsThe SBAC has created a document for educators to share with parents about the Smarter Balanced summative and interim assessments. It is important for parents to be informed and become partners in this critical time of transition. |
Marzano Research Labratory (MRL)On the Marzano Research Labratory site there are many free resources. One resource this database provides is access to sample standards scales, scales based on common core standards, and assessment items designed to assess each level of the scale. The scales and items in this database were developed by teachers, schools, and districts, as well as MRL. There is no charge for access to the Proficiency Scale Bank. You will need to create a log in. California Department of EducationThe California Department of Education devotes an entire page on their website to Smarter Balanced Assessment information. The site provides, amongst other things, a SBAC 101 presentation and ample resources for using the IT readiness tool. This site would be great to share with your district's technology department. Literacy Design CollaborativeLiteracy Design Collaborative is a group, funded by the Gates foundation, deeply interested in making sure secondary teachers have strong supports for teaching literacy in content areas. Their website provides fill-in-the-blank test shells that allow teachers to insert the texts to be read, writing to be produced, and content to be addressed. When filled in, template tasks create high-quality student assignments that develop reading, writing, and thinking skills in the context of learning science, history, English, and other subjects |