SMARTER BALANCED ASSESSMENTS
OVERVIEW
California’s new statewide student assessment system established January 1, 2014. Signed into law in October 2013, Assembly Bill 484 establishes the CAASPP assessment system. For the 2013–14 school year, the CAASPP assessment system encompasses the following required assessments:
- Smarter Balanced system of assessments for mathematics and English–language arts
- California Standards Tests (CST) for Science in grades five, eight, and ten
- California Modified Assessment (CMA) for Science in grades five, eight, and ten
- California Alternate Performance Assessment (CAPA) for Science in grades five, eight, and ten and for mathematics and English–language arts in grades two through eleven
Related Content
- CAASPP Proposed Regulations
- Assessment Information – administration dates and general assessment information for California public schools
- California Assessment System 2013–14 – table describing the various assessments administered in California schools
- Common Core State Standards
- Accountability Progress Reporting (AYP)
- Academic Performance Index (API)
- Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium
- Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Spanish Web Page
Smarter Balanced “Flash” Notices From CDE
SBAC Field Test Resources
CAASPP Field Test and Practice Tests Portal
What is a Field Test Video (6 minutes)
This module is designed for students and should be shown to students in a classroom setting. It is intended to answer student questions on what a field test is and why it is important for students to participate in the Smarter Balanced field test. For grades 3-8 it is encouraged that the teachers be in the room to answer questions from the students as they view the module.
Overview of the Smarter Balanced Field Test (9 minutes)
The purpose of this nine-minute video is to provide an overview of the spring 2014 Smarter Balanced Field Test. The primary audiences for the video are teachers, administrators, school board members, and other educators responsible for test administration. Resources for use with students and parents are referenced in the video.
High School Smarter Balanced Field Test Video (5 minutes)
This brief student video gives key information about the upcoming Smarter Balanced Field Test, where to find the online practice test, and how to get additional information for the State of California.
Middle School Smarter Balanced Field Test Video (5 minutes)
This brief student video gives key information about the upcoming Smarter Balanced Field Test, where to find the online practice test, and how to get additional information for the State of California.
How to Use Your MacBook Air (4 minutes)
The keyboard and trackpad of the MacBook Air are both intuitive and easy to use, as we’ll demonstrate in this tutorial.
Smarter Balanced Test Administration Overview (54 minutes)
This module prepares District/School Test Coordinators and Test Administrators with an overview of procedures, including policy matters and test security processes.
TIDE – Test Information Distribution Engine Online Training Module (20 minutes)
This module provides District/School Test Coordinators and Test Administrators detailed information on how to upload student information, manage users, and use other features of the TIDE system.
Technology Requirements for Online Testing (18 minutes)
This module provides District/School Technology Coordinators current information about technology requirements, site readiness, supported devices and secure browser installation.
Accessibility and Accommodations (35 minutes)
This module describes the recommended uses of available universal tools, designated supports, and documented accommodations for student accessibility to Smarter Balanced assessments. American Sign Language (ASL) Glossaries
Test Administrator (TA) Interface for Online Testing (16 minutes)
This module presents an overview on how to navigate the Test Administrator Interface
Student Interface for Online Testing (22.5 minutes)
This module explains to District/School Test Coordinators, Test Administrators, and teachers how to navigate the Student Interface.
Universal Tools (14 minutes)
This module acquaints students and teachers with the online, universal tools (e.g., types of calculators, expandable text) available in the Smarter Balanced assessments. This module should be shown to students in a classroom/group setting. For grades 3-8 it is encouraged that the teachers be in the room to answer questions from the students as they view the module.
What is a CAT (Computer Adaptive Test) (11.5 minutes)
This module provides District/School Test Coordinators and teachers the characteristics and advantages of Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) that will be available for the operational assessment in spring 2015. The Field Test will not be a Computer Adaptive Test
Performance Task Overview (11 minutes)
This module provides District/School Test Coordinators and teachers an overview of what a Performance Task is and the purpose of the classroom activity as it pertains to the performance task.
Practice Test Resources
Practice Test question type matrix by grade level and subject
Additional Resources
Multiplication Table
Single digit (1-9) multiplication table is a non-embedded accommodation for Grade 4 math items and above. This is to be used only for students with a documented and persistent calculation disability (i.e. dyscalculia). This can be printed for students requiring this accommodation.
Keyboard Commands for Students
This document provides keyboard commands students can use to navigate between test elements, features, and tools.