Smarter Balanced has three components:
- The Digital Library contains on-demand professional
development materials designed to help teachers and an online
collaboration platform to give them a place to share what’s working in
their classrooms. (Fact sheet, PDF).
- Interim assessments are optional. They are
flexible, non-secure periodic assessments to be offered at teachers’ and
schools’ discretion throughout the school year. These computer-based
tests will provide meaningful feedback that teachers can use to help
students succeed.
- Summative assessments are required. They will take
place during the last 12 weeks of the school year. These computer-based
tests will help schools evaluate how well their students performed by
comparing them with students from other schools across the nation. The
end-of-year assessments also will empower families by providing them
with a clear indication of how well their children are progressing
toward mastering the academic knowledge and skills necessary for college
and career readiness.
Visit the WCAP Portal for more information on Smarter Balanced assessments.
Credit: Superintendent of Public Instruction