2020: Remote Teaching and Learning Website Launched
Smarter Balanced formed the Distance Teaching and Learning Task Force to provide feedback and guidance to educators during the pandemic via a new Remote Teaching and Learning Website and Back to School Assessment Playbook.
Read More2017: Strategic Plan 2017-2022 Adopted
Consortium members identified opportunities for Smarter Balanced to maintain the quality of its assessment system while also looking to innovate and evolve in response to a changing education landscape. These insights informed the development of the Strategic Plan 2017-2022.
Read More2014: Achievement Level Setting Design and Summative Test Blueprints Approved
Achievement level setting, or standard setting, is the process for establishing one or more threshold scores on an assessment, making it possible to create categories of performance. This served as the initial achievement levels for the math and English language arts/literacy assessments that were administered in 17 states and one territory during the 2014-2015 school…
Read More2012: Summative Assessment Preliminary Blueprint Approved
Member states approve preliminary blueprint for summative assessment. The Smarter Balanced summative test blueprints describe the content of the English language arts/literacy and math end-of-year tests for grades 3-8 and HS and how that content should be assessed.
Read More2012: Formative Assessment Annual Work Plan Approved
Governing states approve the Formative Assessment Annual Work Plan, which outlines the development of a digital library of formative assessment resources.
Read More2011: Annual Work Plan Approved
Member states approve annual work plan for summative assessments.
Read More2010: Race to the Top Grant Applications Submitted
30 states submitted a Race to the Top grant application—awarded in September 2010—to create a system that would redefine assessments to feature the following characteristics: (1) conducted online and customizable for students, (2) composed of test questions that measure essential skills such as critical thinking, writing, and problem-solving, (3) provides the widest array of features…
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