OUR VISION

Improving Teaching and Learning

Smarter Balanced is committed to providing teachers with high-quality tools and resources to prepare students—regardless of background or ability—for successful, productive futures and choices after high school.

Smarter Balanced is committed to supporting students by providing teachers with high-quality, standards-aligned resources. By providing teachers with what they need, they can better support the diverse needs of their students to help them meet their learning goals.

TONY ALPERT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SMARTER BALANCED

How Our System is Different

A member-led organization that works with educators to develop a high-quality, comprehensive assessment system designed to enhance instructional practice and improve student learning.

Unmatched accessibility features that support the diverse needs of students to help them better demonstrate their knowledge and skills in English language arts/literacy and math.

Easy-to-use tools, lessons and resources that are aligned to standards to help teachers implement formative assessment teaching practices to improve student learning.

Our History of Collaboration

Since the beginning, Smarter Balanced has worked closely with our state members and teachers to provide them with high-quality assessments and tools to prepare students for successful, productive futures. Learn more about how Smarter Balanced has developed an advanced, accessible assessment system.

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Power of Partnerships

Smarter Balanced is a collaboration of K-12 and higher education leaders and educators working to develop a cost-effective assessment system. Explore how partnering with Smarter Balanced supports teachers, student learning and creates resource-sharing opportunities for states.

Leading Innovative Assessment Design

The Smarter Balanced 2025-2030 Strategic Plan: Shaped by Those We Serve

The 2025-2030 Strategic Plan is a bold step forward for Smarter Balanced, charting a clear course to help more teachers and students benefit from the full potential of the system. What makes this plan especially powerful is how it was built: informed by teachers, state and territory leaders, national experts, Consortium staff, policymakers – and, for the first time, students themselves. More than 100 representatives across these groups shared their voices, helping shape a plan centered around real needs and opportunities.

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Full Strategic Plan

This document details the strong legacy Smarter Balanced is building upon, the plan's participatory and research-driven development, and the strategies and goals under each of the plan's four priorities.

Strategic Plan Executive Summary

This document provides a summary of the Strategic Plan’s priorities and strategies.