1. 2016-17 Smarter Balanced Assessments
Required for DTCs, STCs, and Smarter Balanced TAs

2. Topics
Scheduling
Administration
Key Elements
Resources

3. Scheduling
Ensure students have sufficient time to complete both parts of each assessment

4. Scheduling
Schedule
The CAT and the PT sections of the test should be given on separate days; finish one before starting the other.
It is recommended, but not required, that the CAT (or non-performance task items) be administered first.
ELA Performance Tasks may be given over multiple sessions; Math is recommended to be completed in one session.
Neither portion of the test is timed; students should be allowed to continue working as long as they are making progress.
(TAM: 7.1 Components of the Smarter Balanced Assessments)

5. Smarter Balanced Summative Components
Scheduling
Smarter Balanced Summative Components
CAT Test (Computer Adaptive Test)
Item Types:
Selected Response (Multiple Choice)
Technology-Enhanced/Enabled Items
Short Constructed Response
Performance Task
Two-day event in ELA; recommended single-day in Mathematics
ELA will access multiple resources
Short answer questions provide scaffolding
(TAM: 7.1 Components of the Smarter Balanced Assessments)

6. Smarter Balanced Assessments
Scheduling
Smarter Balanced Assessments
SB Retest Opportunity for Grade 12 this year
Only one opportunity in each content area
Each test opportunity is subject to a 45-day expiration period from the start date.
Each PT test opportunity is subject to a 20-day expiration period from the start date.
(TAM: 5.1 Testing Time and Recommended Order of Administration)

7. Equitable access for all students
Administration
Equitable access for all students

8. Administering Smarter Balanced
Administration
Administering Smarter Balanced
Directions full text/simplified
Correct test
Non-embedded supports (dictionary)
(TAM: 5.1 Testing Time and Recommended Order of Administration; OAM: Table 2.1: SB Embedded Universal Tools)

9. Administration
Scratch Paper
Scratch paper is a non-embedded universal tool available to all students.
Scratch paper must be collected and securely shredded at the end of each test session.
Scratch paper used for notes on the CAT constructed response items or PTs can be retained and securely stored between test sessions.
(TAM: 5.1 Testing Time and Recommended Order of Administration; OAM: Table 2.2: SB Non-embedded Universal Tools)

10. Pause Rules Administration
Tests can be paused at any time; students get a warning message to verify they want to pause.
If a CAT test is paused less than 20 minutes, students may review questions already answered.
If a CAT test is paused more than 20 minutes, students may not review or change questions already answered.
When resuming after a pause, the student sees the first page that has unanswered questions.
If a test is idle for over 20 minutes, the system will automatically pause the test and log the student out.
There are no pause limits for the performance task portion of Smarter Balanced tests.
(TAM: 6.4 Pause Rules and Test Expirations;
OAM: Table 2.1: SB Embedded Universal Tools)

11. Knowing the different resources across assessments
Key Elements
Knowing the different resources across assessments

12. Key Elements for ELA Key Elements
Smarter Balanced combines four elements of English language arts into one test: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Research; there will be an overall score for ELA and sub-scores for each of those four elements.
Listening items will require each student to have headphones.
Resources formerly available during the test may no longer be (e.g., spelling lists, graphic organizers, scoring guides); check the Oregon Accessibility Manual for specific allowable supports.
Students at ALL tested grades will be doing a Performance Task which will require them to write an essay.

13. Key Elements
ELA Paginated Items

14. Calculator for Math Grade 6
Key Elements
Calculator for Math Grade 6
Legacy Standard Calculator
Desmos Standard Calculator

15. Calculators for Math Grades 7 & 8
Key Elements
Calculators for Math Grades 7 & 8
Legacy Scientific Calculator
Desmos Scientific Calculator

16. Calculator for Math Grade 11
Key Elements
Calculator for Math Grade 11
Legacy Graphing Calculator
Desmos Graphing Calculator

17. Adequately prepare both teachers and students
Resources
Adequately prepare both teachers and students

18. Smarter Balanced Practice
Resources
Smarter Balanced Practice
Training Test
Organized by grade band 3-5, 6-8, and high school
14-15 questions includes all item types
Includes all embedded universal tools, designated supports, accommodations, and language supports
Practice Test
Organized by grade
Approximately 30 items of varying difficulty
Includes a Performance task
(OAKS Portal:

19. Training Tests vs. Practice Tests
Resources
Training Tests vs. Practice Tests
Use the training test if
You want to familiarize students how to navigate the test and learn how to complete the different item types
Your intent is NOT to look at grade level content or items at the appropriate level of difficulty.
Use the practice test if
You want students to see grade level items and practice responses to them.
You want students to experience items across all claim areas.
You want students to have practice on the Performance Task.

20. Smarter Balanced Test Documents
Resources
Smarter Balanced Test Documents
Test Blueprints
Number of items
Score points (weighting)
Depth of knowledge
Content Specifications
List of all Assessment Targets
Identify which CCSS each Target assesses
Item Specifications
Broken out by grade level, Claim, and Target
Contains Task Models
Appropriate Stems

21. Q&A Discussion
What are the local considerations and challenges around scheduling the Smarter Balanced Assessments within your school or district?
What are some effective approaches you could use to address these challenges?
What resources or strategies do you plan to use to prepare for administering the Smarter Balanced Assessments?

22. Online Resources OAKS Portal (Practice & Training Test)
Test Specifications and Blueprints