Index of archived SBAC e-mail updates
SBAC CDE News
The California Department of Education (CDE) Smarter Balanced update is a biweekly e-mail that reports on current and upcoming Smarter Balanced development activities. To join the CDE Smarter Balanced electronic mailing list, send a blank e-mail to: subscribe-sbac@mlist.cde.ca.gov.
In this issue:
- Release of Preliminary Test Blueprints
- Network Bandwidth Checker Available for Schools
- Review Period for Feedback on Draft Initial Achievement Level Descriptors and Overview Webinar
- Pilot Test Participation Update
Release of Preliminary Test Blueprints
The Smarter Balanced Governing States have approved the preliminary test blueprints describing the content of English–language arts/literacy and mathematics summative assessments for grades three through eight and high school. The preliminary test blueprints reflect the depth and breadth of the performance expectations of the Common Core State Standards and how that content will be assessed. The full document is available on the Smarter Balanced Web site
.
Network Bandwidth Checker Available for Schools
Smarter Balanced has launched an online tool to help schools check the bandwidth of their network in preparation for the assessments. The bandwidth checker is compatible with Mozilla Firefox on computers with Windows, OS X, or Linux operating systems; Safari on tablets using the iOS operating system; and Chrome on tablets using the Android operating system. The bandwidth checker cannot be accessed using Internet Explorer. The bandwidth checker and instructions can be accessed on the Smarter Balanced Web site
. Questions about technology requirements should be directed to the Smarter Balanced Technology Readiness Coordinator at sbac-itreadiness@cde.ca.gov.
Review Period for Feedback on Draft Initial Achievement Level Descriptors and Overview Webinar
The public comment period for the Smarter Balanced draft achievement level descriptors runs through January 15, 2013. The draft achievement level descriptors and online survey for providing feedback are available at the Smarter Balance Web site
. Smarter Balanced hosted a public Webinar on December 17 to provide an overview of achievement level descriptors. A recording of this public Webinar will be posted on the Smarter Balanced Web site.
Selection of Schools for the Pilot Test
Smarter Balanced has identified schools for the scientific component of the spring 2013 pilot test. The scientific component will target a representative sample of schools to yield critical data about the items developed to date as well as how the test administration system is functioning. The CDE has developed a Web tool to search, by county and district, for schools selected for the scientific component of the pilot test.
All schools in Smarter Balanced states can participate in the pilot test by registering for the volunteer component of the pilot test. Participation in the volunteer component will allow schools to administer a version of the assessment with released test questions and will ensure that all schools have the opportunity to experience the basic functionality of the test administration system. Schools can register for the volunteer component of the pilot test by completing the online survey
.
On December 11, 2012, a notification letter was e-mailed from the CDE to district and county superintendents as well as charter school administrators, notifying them of these opportunities to participate as well as the availability of the Web tool. Questions regarding the pilot test should be directed to American Institutes for Research at smarterbalancedpilot@air.org.
More Information
Additional information about Smarter Balanced is available on the CDE Smarter Balanced Web page and on the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium’s Web site
.
General questions about the Smarter Balanced assessments should be directed to the CDE Statewide Assessment Transition Office by phone at 916-445-8517 or by e-mail at sbac@cde.ca.gov.
