Smarter Balanced Assessments:What do families need to know?

[INSERT DATE]

1. What the new state tests mean for your child

2. What your child can expect

3. How to interpret test results

4. Additional resources for parents

2

Overview of Discussion

What the New Smarter Balanced Tests in English and Math Mean

for Your Child

New Statewide Tests

• These are better tests not more 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

4

What is Smarter Balanced?

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium• A group of states that have worked together to develop high quality

tests in English and Math that are aligned to the new standards.

• [STATE] joined Smarter Balanced to create a new test aligned to our standards.

• The tests were field-tested in Spring 2014 by more than 4 million students in 21 states,including [STATE].

5

What Was My Child Tested on This Year?

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

7

What Were Students Tested on in English?

8

• 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?

9

New [Insert State Assessment Name] Example:

You have read several sources about the production of pennies in the United States. Using your sources, write a multi-paragraph argumentative essay either for or against the continued production of the penny in the United States. Make sure you establish a claim, address counterarguments, and support your claim with evidence from the sources you have read. Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the sources. Be sure to reference the sources by title or number when using details or facts directly from the sources.

EXAMPLE: 7th Grade ELA Question

.

What Were Students Tested on in Math?

10

• 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?

11

New Nevada State Assessment Example:

EXAMPLE: 5th Grade Math Test

.

How Do I Know What My Child is Expected to Learn This Year?

• The PTA developed grade-specific “Guides to Student Success” so you know the skills your child should master and what he or she is expected to know every year:

www.PTA.org/CommonCore

12

How To Interpret Test Results

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.

14

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.

15

Thank You To Our Teachers

16

A Transition:

• Learning the new standards

• Engaging lessons

• Helped develop the Smarter Balanced test

17

Resources for More Information

Where Can I Find More Info?

18

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

[Insert State Name] New State Assessments:

Questions?