This year, all California schools will administer the real operational version of the Smarter Balanced assessment, the new test of the Common Core State Standards.  Feedback from students who took the field test last year was positive:  students liked the computer-based test better than the previous STAR paper tests.  Our Smarter Balanced testing windows for 2014-15 are as follows:

 

Schools will set up their testing schedules between these dates.

 

Our preparation for this new type of testing is almost complete. To accommodate the testing, we have added computer labs where schools did not have the capacity to give the test.  New labs have been installed at Vanden High School, Golden West Middle School, Center Elementary School, and Travis Elementary School.  A set of Chromebooks has arrived at Scandia Elementary School. 

 

SmarterBalanced includes both English language arts and math items.  In addition, students will complete a more open-ended performance task in either English language arts or math.  There is a 30-minute classroom activity that takes place in the classroom to help students prepare for the performance task.

 

If you would like to try the test to see what it's like to take it, or if you would like to help your child practice, two versions of the test are available to the public online. The first is the practice test, which will give you an idea of the kinds of questions students will be answering.  The second is a training test, designed for teachers to use with their classes to help students learn how to use the tools within the test.  We are using these at school, and you are welcome to use them at home.

 

You can access the practice and training tests through a web browser or the secure browser (which will be available soon).  The tests may be accessed here.