Index of archived SBAC e-mail updates
SBAC CDE News
- Technology Readiness Tool
- SBAC Factsheets
- Item Specifications Review
The SBAC CDE weekly update is an email sent each week to inform California educators and parents of new developments and upcoming events. Please feel free to share information in the update with those who are interested in the SBAC CDE’s work.
Technology Readiness Tool—SBAC in collaboration with the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) Consortium, has contracted with Pearson to develop a Technology Readiness Tool to support states’ planning as they transition to next-generation assessments to be launched beginning in 2014. The tool is designed to (see SBAC CDE note on readiness tool)Data collection will occur once each spring and fall through 2014. All states in the Consortia will be requested to use the tool to assess technology readiness during each window. The press release announcing the contract can be found at SMARTER Press Releases (Outside Source).
SBAC Factsheets
- Smarter Balanced Factsheet (PDF; Outside Source). This one-page handout gives an overview of the assessment system.
- Computer Adaptive Testing Factsheet (PDF; Outside Source). This one-page handout describes the benefits of computer adaptive testing (CAT), which is an integral part of SBAC.
- Factsheet for Teachers (PDF; Outside Source). This one-page handout explains how teachers are involved in the SBAC development process.
- Higher Education Factsheet (PDF; Outside Source). This one-page handout explains how the SBAC is working with the higher education community.
- Factsheet for Policymakers (PDF; Outside Source). This one-page handout explains key features of the SBAC system
Item Specifications Review—SBAC is developing assessment item and performance task specifications for both English language arts and mathematics that provide guidance on how to draft assessment items aligned to the common core state standards. In addition, guidelines for bias and sensitivity, accessibility and accommodations, and style help item developers and reviewers ensure that consistency and fairness are applied across the items. These specifications are being reviewed by member states, school districts and higher education. Visit the SBAC Web site (Outside Source) and scroll down to Item/Task Specifications to review the most updated specifications. The third and final item specifications review will begin in early March and conclude March 16. Final documents (or parts of documents) will be shared along with a response to feedback. This is an opportunity for member states and the public to provide final feedback on what will be the cornerstone documents to item/task development for the Consortium. Feedback from across the Consortium is essential for the final documents to reflect the concerns and desires of the Consortium. Information about the final item specifications review will be forthcoming.
SBAC CDE Upcoming Events
- March 12, 2012—An online Technology Readiness Tool training module will be available to local education agencies to support California planning as we transition to next-generation assessments to be launched beginning in 2014. This new open source tool assesses current capacity and compares that to the technology that will be needed to administer the new online assessments in four areas—devices, device to tester ratio, network infrastructure, and staff and personnel. The first of six data collection windows will be March 20 to June 14, 2012. Data collection will occur once each spring and fall through 2014. The goal of the first data collection window is to collect easily accessible baseline data. All states in both consortia will be requested to use the tool to assess technology readiness. On March 12, 2012, an online training module will be available to local education agencies. Local users will receive an email with their unique login ID and password. The training will give step-by-step instructions for using the tool and will assist in interpreting reports. A User’s Guide for local education agencies will be available March 20, 2012 and to assist local personnel as they use the tool. Detailed information regarding the Technology Readiness Tool will be forthcoming.
SBAC CDE Resources
- The SBAC Common Core State Standards Eligible Content can be found at SBAC CCSS Eligible Content Final Report (PDF; Outside Source).
- The IT architecture and requirements are now available online at SBAC Technology (Outside Source; refer to section titled "IT Systems Architecture Reports and Resources").
- Link to the Technology Readiness Tool webinar recording (Outside Source) —The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) hosted a webinar on January 30 to provide additional information about the IT readiness effort and answer questions.
- Report on engaging higher education in new assessments available—A new report from the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) identifies the conditions that can help build consensus between state K-12 and postsecondary systems. It also makes recommendations for meaningful involvement by higher education in the implementation of the Common Core State Standards and assessments, which will inform our efforts to engage the postsecondary field. The report is available at NCHEMS Publications (Outside Source).
SBAC Question/Answer of the Week (From SBAC All States Update)
Q: How will teachers be selected to participate in the training cadres for formative assessment starting in 2012-13?
A: SBAC is committed to involving teachers in the development and vetting of formative assessment practices and professional learning opportunities that are a critical component of a balanced assessment system focused on improving teaching and learning. Beginning in the 2012-13 school year, SBAC will support each state's convening of an average of 90 teachers for a total of five days to participate in trainings on professional development modules related to the assessment system, and to select formative practices and tools for inclusion in the digital library. Detailed information regarding how teachers may get involved will be forthcoming.
