Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA)- What’s Different About Them?

What are the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA)? The SBA replace the California Standards Tests (CST) in English Language Arts and Mathematics. They are more challenging than the previous tests. They assess content in English Language Arts and Mathematics that will be needed to prepare for college and a career. They are one measurement of academic performance. The results help to improve teaching and learning. They are part of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP).

CAASPP Student Score Report

Assessments: Past and Present Old Assessments Smarter Balanced Assessments Tested students in grades 2-11Tests students in grades 3-8 and 11 Paper and pencil testComputer-based, online test only Fixed form and same set of questions for everyone) Computer adaptive (customized test for each student) Multiple choice question formatVarious question formats: explaining solutions, providing rationales, using graphing skills or listening to audio recordings and then responding to questions about what was heard You had a 1 out of 4 chance of guessing the right answer!

Sample Test Item: Mathematics

Sample Test Item: English Language Arts

Performance Bands Old Assessments Smarter Balanced Assessments AdvancedStandard Exceeded ProficientStandard Met BasicStandard Nearly Met Below BasicStandard Not Met Far Below Basic CAUTION! There is no direct comparison. New standards, new type of test, new scale and new performance bands. CAUTION! There is no direct comparison. New standards, new type of test, new scale and new performance bands.

Scale Scores Old Assessments Smarter Balanced Assessments

English Language Arts Claims Reading – demonstrate understanding of literary and non-fiction texts Reading – demonstrate understanding of literary and non-fiction texts Writing – produce clear and purposeful writing Writing – produce clear and purposeful writing Listening – demonstrate effective communication skills Listening – demonstrate effective communication skills Research/Inquiry – investigate, analyze and present information Research/Inquiry – investigate, analyze and present information Above StandardAt or Near StandardBelow Standard Above Standard, At or Near Standard, or Below Standard

Mathematics Claims Communicating Reasoning – demonstrate ability to support mathematical conclusions Communicating Reasoning – demonstrate ability to support mathematical conclusions Problem Solving and Modeling/Data Analysis – use appropriate tools and strategies to solve real world and mathematical problems Problem Solving and Modeling/Data Analysis – use appropriate tools and strategies to solve real world and mathematical problems Concepts and Procedures – apply mathematical concepts and procedures Concepts and Procedures – apply mathematical concepts and procedures Above StandardAt or Near StandardBelow Standard Above Standard, At or Near Standard, or Below Standard

What is included on the CAASPP Reports? CAASPP Reports Grade 2Grade 3 ELA & Math Grade 4 ELA & Math Grade 5 ELA & Math Science Grade 6 ELA & Math Grade 7 ELA & Math Grade 8 ELA & Math Science Grade 9Grade 10 Science Grade 11 ELA & Math EAP ELA & Math Science (STS) STS EAP Smarter Balanced Assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics California Standards Test (and CMA or CAPA) in Science Standards-based Tests in Spanish – for some English learners and those enrolled in Dual-language programs with primary instruction in Spanish Early Assessment Program – assesses readiness for college-level coursework

What’s Next? Smarter Balanced Practice and Training Tests Take the Smarter Balanced Practice and Training Tests here: / Smarter Balanced Practice and Training Tests Take the Smarter Balanced Practice and Training Tests here: / California’s grade-level standards View California’s grade-level standards here: California’s grade-level standards View California’s grade-level standards here: School personnel will use the results to help adjust programs and services to assist students. Student progress is monitored throughout the year. Schools and families are partners in student learning. Parent Guides to the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments Download Parent Guides to the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments here: Parent Guides to the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments Download Parent Guides to the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments here:

Resources achieve.lausd.net/testing

Questions?