Smarter Balanced Testing

On Monday and Tuesday (April 6th and 7th) we will be taking the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments, which is the new state wide assessment. The Oregon Department of Education website shares the following information: 

What is Smarter Balanced?

Oregon is part of a team of states working together voluntarily to develop K-12 assessments in English language arts/literacy and mathematics aligned to Oregon’s Common Core State Standards. These tests are called Smarter Balanced assessments. Delivered online, these tests include questions that adapt to each individual’s performance and feature new “Performance Tasks” that mimic real world application of students’ knowledge and skills. 

How are Smarter Balanced tests different from our old tests?

Our students deserve better tests, ones that measure high-level skills rather than the ability to memorize facts or deduce answers from lists. More importantly, our students deserve tests that give them the opportunity to show what they know and can do. Smarter Balanced tests go above and beyond filling in multiple choice bubbles and actually showcase students’ thoughts and explanations for how they solve problems. Here’s how:

• Aligned to more challenging standards, Smarter Balanced tests better measure what skills and knowledge our students need to be successful in the 21st Century.
• Test questions come in many different forms, and allow students to interact with graphs and type in their own responses in addition to selecting answers from traditional multiple choice lists. Essay questions ask students to use evidence from multiple sources of texts to create their arguments and explain their reasoning.
• Developed with experts to include tools and supports that address visual, auditory, and physical access barriers, Smarter Balanced tests are designed to meet the needs of all students. Learn more here.

How can I learn more about our new state tests?

Visit our drop down menu (upper right hand corner) to browse Smarter Balanced topics or go to Communication Resources to access family-friendly materials. You can also take the practice tests available on our Practice Test Site on the OAKS Portal for a firsthand look at the new test questions. Be sure to sign in as “Guest,” select a grade, and choose either an English or math test with “SB” beside it. 

Before spring break we spent an hour in the lab taking the practice test and talking through the changes they would be seeing. The students were perfectly comfortable with the new interface and the new types of questions. I am confidant they will do quite well. You can help them demonstrate what they know by ensuring they get to bed Sunday night at a decent hour, eat a healthy breakfast, and come to school with a brain friendly snack.

This year instead of visiting the lab for an hour at a time over several weeks, we will be in the lab all day for two days. This gives students the chance to settle in and work at their pace without feeling the pressure of the clock ticking away and losing their momentum. Students will be encouraged to take breaks often to clear their mind and stretch their bodies. They will still attend world language, lunch, PE, and music. 

Due to the format of the performance task, it is vital that all students be in school on Monday and Tuesday. Each performance task has a classroom activity associated with it. During the classroom activity they are presented with background information and have the opportunity to work with their classmates before tackling the test on the computer. Students that are not at school will be presented the information, but will not have the interaction with their classmates to assist them. 

If you have any questions about the testing, please feel free to email me or call.