Consistent Feedback, Continuous Improvement
The Smarter Balanced assessment system provides educators with standards-aligned tools and resources to support their teaching and improve student learning.
Our assessment system consists of three major components:
![Tools for Teachers Logo Tools for Teachers by Smarter Balanced logo.](https://smarterbalanced.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/tft-logo-full@2x.png)
Instructional Supports
![interim-assessments Icon of a teacher indicating to a screen with three students sitting in front of the screen.](https://smarterbalanced.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/interim-assessments.png)
Interim Assessments
![summative-assessments An icon of a student working on a computer.](https://smarterbalanced.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/summative-assessments.png)
Summative Assessments
Learn more about the Smarter Balanced assessment system.
![Picture5 Photo of a student learning virtually. Her teacher can be seen on the computer screen holding a math problem. The student is holding her pencil over a worksheet and has her stuffed bunny sitting on the table next to her.](https://smarterbalanced.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Picture5.png)
Universal Design for Learning
A core principle of the Smarter Balanced system is accessibility for students. Smarter Balanced tests are designed so that test takers—including students who are learning English or have special needs—can participate in the tests and demonstrate what they know and can do.
![Picture3 Photo of a student high fiving her teacher.](https://smarterbalanced.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Picture3.png)
Fair and Accurate for All Test-Takers
Our end-of-year tests are supported by Computer Adaptive Technology and customized for each student, allowing them to demonstrate what they know and can do. To accomplish this, the computer-based test adjusts the difficulty of questions throughout the assessment based on the student’s response.
![Picture6 Photo of a teacher working with a student who is holding his pencil and working on a worksheet. The student is sitting at a table with other students.](https://smarterbalanced.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Picture6.png)
Transparency Around How the Test is Made
Smarter Balanced is committed to an unprecedented level of transparency, so that anyone who is interested can see exactly how the test is made. Explore item and task specifications, test blueprints, guidelines and resources, and content specifications.