Smarter Balanced Resources

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Web Site
Main site for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.

Common Core State Standards
Information and resources about the new academic content standards for English language arts/literacy and mathematics adopted by the State Board of Education on August 2, 2010.

Summative Test Blueprints
The summative test blueprints describe the content of the English language arts/literacy and mathematics summative assessments for grades three through eight and high school as well as how that content will be assessed. Developed with broad input from member states, partners, and stakeholders, the summative test blueprints reflect the depth and breadth of the performance expectations of the Common Core State Standards.

Smarter Content Explorer
The Smarter Content Explorer is a user-friendly web tool that helps bridge the gap between the language of test developers and the language used by teachers in the classroom every day. It combines the information provided in the Smarter Balanced Content and Item Specifications—key resources used in test and item development—into an easy-to-use search interface. A Smarter Content Explorer flyer(PDF) is available for more information about this web tool.

The Smarter Annotated Response Tool (PDF)
The Smarter Annotated Response Tool helps educators understand how student writing is scored on the Smarter Balanced assessments and support writing instruction in the classroom.

Achievement Level Descriptors (ALDs) and College Content-Readiness

ALDs articulate the knowledge, skills, and processes expected of students at different levels of performance on the Smarter Balanced assessments.

• ELA/literacy ALDs and College Content-Readiness Policy (PDF)
• Mathematics ALDs and College Content-Readiness Policy (PDF)
  

Computer Adaptive Testing Webinar
Recorded Webinar addresses the advantages of adaptive testing and the critical decision points in designing, developing and administering an effective computer adaptive assessments to measure student achievement and growth.

Smarter Balanced Technology Readiness Resources
Information to assist districts to prepare technology resources for computer-based assessments.

Fact Sheets
Smarter Balanced fact sheet handouts offer information on various aspects of the assessment system.

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked Smarter Balanced questions.