Smarter Balanced Assessments: What do families need to know? [INSERT DATE] [CUSTOMIZE FOR STATE] [WELCOME SLIDE – TRANSITION AT BEGINNING OF EVENT]

New Statewide Tests The Smarter Balanced test replaced existing [Insert Test Name] tests in English and math in grades 3-8 and writing in grades 5 and 8. The tests include two components that can each be taken online. Computer Adaptive Test Short-answer, technology-enhanced, and multiple choice questions Test is customized for each student Performance Task Longer multi-step questions, including essays Students solve real-world problems [Insert State Name] adopted higher, more focused standards–[Insert State Standards]–to better prepare students for college, technical schools, and careers. These new standards require new state tests that better measure these skills and allow students to show what they know and what they can do. The assessments are fully aligned to the [Insert State Standards] to more accurately measure a student’s skills in English language arts and math. The Smarter Balanced Test replaced the existing [Insert Test Name] tests in English and Math. The Smarter Balanced test is broken into two sections. Both test can be taken online, but not every students in every grade will take the online version. The first component is a computer-adaptive test. The Smarter Balanced test isn’t just an online version of a paper and pencil test. The computer changes the level of rigor based on how the child answers each question. This determines where a child falls in terms of advanced learning It also produces more accurate results, especially for advanced and struggling students. The second component is a performance task. This is a multi-step assignment that asks students to apply a variety of knowledge and skills to address real-world problems. In English, the performance task requires students to use their research and writing skills. In math, students solve a complex problem and then describe and defend their reasoning. Scores from both the computer-adaptive test and the performance task are combined for a student’s overall score.

What’s Different About the Tests? The new tests go beyond the “bubble test.” Students show their work through: Extended writing, and multi-step questions which require students to apply the skills they have learned. They measure: Problem-solving Writing Critical thinking Reading and listening comprehension Students will no longer just select the right answer. They were asked to think critically and explain how they got their answer, with less random guesswork. They read and analyzed complex texts and wrote essays. Both the Math and English tests had many different types of questions – such as multiple choice, essay, and short answer.

What Were Students Tested on in English? Could students read closely to comprehend a range of complex literary and informational texts? Could students write effectively for a range of purposes and audiences? Could students listen effectively for a range of purposes? Could students use research skills to investigate topics, analyze, and present information? The new [Insert Test Name] tests measured progress on the skills outlined in the standards. For example, in English Language Arts – could students read and comprehend texts literary and informational texts? Could they write and listen effectively? Could they research a topic and effectively present their findings?

What Were Students Tested on in Math? Could students explain and apply math concepts and perform math procedures? Could students solve problems using their knowledge of concepts and problem solving strategies? Could students analyze real-world scenarios and create models to solve problems? Could students build practical arguments to support their own reasoning? In Math, the [Insert Test Name] have questions that test if students not only get the right answer, but also explain how they got that answer. They also were asked to apply mathematical concepts, and use their understanding of these concepts along with problem solving strategies to solve real-world problems. Not only did they have to solve the problems, but in some cases, they were asked to create models of how they solve it. In the higher grades, students created mathematical arguments to support their reasoning.

How To Interpret Test Results After the test, you are wondering – what does this all mean? How does this help my child?

New Tests, Different Results These upgraded tests are harder. With a greater emphasis on deeper learning, we have raised the bar for our students, parents, and teachers. We can expect that fewer students will clear this higher bar than have in the past. That doesn’t mean that students know less or are doing worse. Simply put, these tests are harder. Students answered more complex questions and solved more complex problems. We can expect that at least initially fewer students will meet these new, higher standards. This does not mean that students learned less. We have raised the bar for our students by requiring them to understand concepts more deeply. This year’s test will establish a new baseline to measure student progress going forward. (check with [insert state name] DOE about this)

How Will Scores be Used? Test results will help schools to: Make instructional decisions. Determine individual needs of students: Extra support? More challenging work? Recommendations for future classes? Scores do not impact GPA, class ranking, or college admission. The test results will allow parents, teachers, and students to know whether students are on track each year. The goal is to ensure that we know when students need more challenging work or more support. This will help your child to get a more personalized education that will best fit their needs. You will also be able to compare your student’s performance with students in other schools and districts. The test scores do not impact GPA, class ranking, or college admission. [ADD STATE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON TEST SCORE USE BY HIGHER EDUCATION.]

Where Can I Find More Info? Great Web Sites Parent Friendly Information and Resources: BeALearningHero.org and Facebook.com/bealearninghero Parent Friendly Information and Resources in Spanish: http://noticias.univision.com/educacion/ [Insert State Department of Education] [Insert State DOE website] Smarter Balanced Practice Tests: Reading, Writing, Math Practice Tests http://sbac.portal.airast.org/practice-test/ Smarter Balanced Info: www.smarterbalanced.org www.PTA.org/CommonCore Visit the Smarter Balanced site where you will find practice tests, tutorials, and more specific information about test formats and features. You can also find parent-friendly information on BeALearningHero.org, Univision and on the [Insert State Name] Department of Education’s website. Finally, visit PTA’s Common Core web pages where you will find guides, videos, webinars, etc. Now I’d like to open it up for questions.