The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) has developed a series of tests based on the new Common Core State Standards. These tests are administered in grades three through eight, as well as in grade eleven. These tests fulfill a number of purposes. They provide an accurate reflection of student knowledge and progress in key subject areas, and they help teachers personalize subsequent instruction. They also generate data about school and district performance, so that administrators can identify areas in need of improvement.
The Smarter Balanced Assessments are aligned with the Common Core State Standards in English language arts/literacy and mathematics. The Common Core standards have been designed to help students succeed in a number of critical areas. Students who meet the requirements of the Common Core will demonstrate independence; build strong content knowledge; respond to the varying demands of audience, task, purpose, and discipline; comprehend as well as critique; value evidence; use technology and digital media strategically and capably; and develop an understanding of other perspectives and cultures.
The Common Core K-12 standards are aligned with college and work expectations. They include rigorous content and the application of knowledge through high-order skills. The standards build upon the strengths and lessons of the current state standards. They are informed by top-performing countries, so that students will be prepared to succeed in the global economy. Finally, they are based on research and/or evidence.
The tests developed by the SBAC are mainly summative (that is, they are administered at the end of the school year to assess academic progress), but there are also tests that teachers can give during the school year to inform subsequent instruction. The tests include a variety of question types, including multiple choice, extended response, and even performance tasks. The results are delivered to teachers and students soon after the completion of the test.
SBAC Test Prep
The SBAC tests can be difficult, but with the right preparation any student can improve his or her score. Mometrix Media has developed a set of prep materials specifically for the Smarter Board Assessment Consortium. Mometrix offers a set of flashcards, which cover all of the topics that will appear on the SBAC, as well as a study guide, which addresses all of the exam topics and includes some general tips and tricks for the big day. For any student looking to boost his or her performance on the Smarter Board Assessment Consortium, the Mometrix flashcards and study guide are a must! These resources can be purchased at http://www.mo-media.com/sbac/ for the Smarter Board Assessment Consortium Study Guide or http://www.flashcardsecrets.com/sbac/ for the flashcard study system.
