Helping Students Show
What They Know and Can Do

Q: What are the differences between the adjusted version and the full version of the year-end state test?

A: Compared to the full version, the number of questions has been reduced by about half on the adjusted version (shortened) form of the Smarter Balanced year-end ELA and math tests. The adjusted version of the test will still provide an accurate measure of learning for student groups while allowing schools and districts more flexibility in administering the test to students.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: How was the adjusted (shortened) version of the year-end state test created?

A: The adjusted (shortened) version of the year-end state test is created by pulling 50% less questions from the full pool of questions using the same algorithm for the Computer Adaptive Test (CAT). Performance tasks, which include multiple test questions to assess critical thinking and problem solving skills, have not been changed.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: Does the adjusted (shortened) version of the year-end state test cover the same knowledge and skills?

A: Yes, the questions on the adjusted form (shortened) of the test represent the array of questions on the full form of the test and cover exactly the same skills and knowledge.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: How will Smarter Balanced verify that scores accurately describe what students know and can do this year?

A: Once test results from spring 2021 are available, Smarter Balanced will evaluate the 2021 data using test results from previous years as a comparison to verify that the test results accurately represent what students know and can do. If there appear to be differences between the 2021 test results and previous years’ results, Smarter Balanced staff will collaborate with technical experts to examine possible reasons for the differences and how the data may be used to support policy decisions that improve students' education.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: Is there a hard copy, paper version of the adjusted year-end state test?

A: A paper version of the adjusted year-end state test for spring 2021 is not available. Smarter Balanced member states and territories are discussing whether to make a hard-copy paper version available in future testing years.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: How long will it take a student to complete the shorter version of the Smarter Balanced English language arts/literacy and mathematics year-end state tests?

A: The Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) portion of the Smarter Balanced year-end state test will take students about half the time as the full version. Performance Tasks, which require students to use critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to apply their learning in context, will require the same amount of time as in years past.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: Will year-end state testing happen at the same time this year as in previous years, before the COVID-19 pandemic?

A: Each consortium Member’s local education agency determines the timeframe for year-end state testing. Please check with your local education agency for details about the summative assessment testing window for spring 2021.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: What accessibility resources are available on the year-end state test?

A: Smarter Balanced is providing all of the accessibility resources usually available. Please visit your education agency’s assessment portal or contact your school or assessment coordinator for more information about what accessibility resources are available on the year-end statewide test in your area.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: What accessibility resources are available on the adjusted version of the year-end state test?

A: Smarter Balanced is providing all of the accessibility resources usually available. Please visit your education agency’s assessment portal or contact your school or district assessment coordinator for more information about what accessibility resources are available on the adjusted form version of the year-end statewide test in your area.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: What accessibility resources are available on the year-end state test when students take the test online/remotely?

A: Smarter Balanced is providing all of the accessibility resources usually available. Please visit your education agency’s assessment portal or contact your school or district assessment coordinator for more information about what accessibility resources are available on the year-end statewide test administered remotely (online) in your area.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: What accessibility resources are available on the adjusted version of the year-end state test when students take the test online/remotely?

A: Smarter Balanced is making all resources available for the adjusted blueprint being administered remotely. Please visit your education agency’s assessment portal or contact your school or district assessment coordinator for more information about what accessibility resources are available on the adjusted form version of the year-end statewide test administered remotely (online) in your area.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: Is there a braille hybrid adaptive test (HAT) for the adjusted version of the year-end state test?

A: For 2020-2021 testing, Smarter Balanced continues to offer the Braille Hybrid Adaptive Test (HAT) for the full form year-end state mathematics assessment. Because of the design functionality of the Braille HAT, an adjusted Braille HAT is not recommended. Students who read braille can still benefit from the full form year-end mathematics test, the adjusted form year-end mathematics test, or the paper version of the year-end mathematics test. Please consult your state, territory, or bureau assessment portal well as test administrators for availability of these resources in your location.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: What braille resources are available on the 2021 year-end state test?

A: Smarter Balanced continues to offer the full suite of braille resources for the year-end statewide test. Please consult your state, territory, or bureau assessment portal as well as district test administrators for specific information on any changes to how the test is delivered in-person versus remote (online).

Posted 2/26/21

Q: Will Smarter Balanced track/keep record of students who don’t take the year-end state tests for English language arts and mathematics for a reason related to COVID-19?

A: Smarter Balanced does not collect information about individual students. Member state/territory education agencies are responsible for their state or territory’s testing information. At the request of our member state/territory education agencies, Smarter Balanced can report the number and percentage of students who do not take the Smarter Balanced year-end tests, but only if the member state/territory education agencies sends that information to Smarter Balanced.

Posted 2/26/21

Q: How is Smarter Balanced supporting Consortium members in collecting information about the 2020-21 school year experience?

A: Smarter Balanced is working with Consortium members to support gathering information about the 2020-2021 school year experience. Smarter Balanced is assisting both financially and with the development of a bank of questions from which states can build their student survey(s), if they choose. For additional information, please reach out to your education agency.

Posted 2/26/21