The Connecticut State Department of Education is committed to ensuring that all students leave high school prepared for post-secondary success in college plus careers. The Connecticut Smarter Balanced assessments are aligned to Connecticut Core Standards in English language arts/literacy plus mathematics. A balanced assessment system which includes summative assessments, optional interim assessments, plus formative assessment practices provides tools to improve teaching plus learning. The assessment system includes:
A summative assessment of students in Grades 3 through 8 consists of various parts: a pc adaptive test (in ELA plus mathematics) plus performance task (in mathematics). This assessment can be used to describe student achievement plus growth of student learning as part of program evaluation plus school, district, plus state accountability systems.
Optional fixed form interim assessments that may be administered at locally determined intervals. The interim assessments allow teachers to check student progress throughout the year, giving them actionable results that will inform instruction in order to help students meet the challenges of college- plus career-ready standards.
A situs site, Tools for Teachers, created by educators that includes lessons plus activities to enhance instruction, save time creating lessons, plus prepare students for college or a career. Tools for Teachers makes it easier for educators to find the strategies that work for students with diverse needs plus can help teachers plan instruction, including lessons, activities, instructional strategies, plus links to sample test questions.
A Centralized Reporting System that provides assessment results to teachers plus administrators. The reports show student achievement plus progress toward college plus career readiness. For further data on the new Centralized Reporting System, visit the Centralized Reporting System Video Series on the Smarter Balanced Results Resources page.
Important Smarter Balanced Resources
Information/Resources to Help Increase Understanding of the Smarter Balanced Assessment System – This very useful document lists the many tools plus resources available for the Smarter Balanced Assessment.
The CSDE Comprehensive Assessment Portal provides access to test administration resources for the Smarter Balanced Assessment.
2024 Administration Resources
The Smarter Balanced Practice Tests provide an opportunity for teachers, students, parents, plus other stakeholders to experience the features of online testing plus gain insight into how Smarter Balanced assesses students’ mastery of the Connecticut Standards.
Sample Parent/Guardian Letter (Spanish) – This sample letter can be used to communicate with parents/guardians prior to testing.
Smarter Balanced Content Explorer
The Smarter Balanced Content Explorer can be used to support instruction, interpret student results, plus plan activities aligned to grade-level claims plus targets; learn how Smarter Balanced assesses academic standards; explore the range of data plus skills for college plus career readiness; plus learn about test development with resources like blueprints plus scoring rubrics.