Smarter Balanced Assessments - Definition & Meaning

Smarter Balanced Assessments are a set of standardized assessments used in several U.S. states to measure students' proficiency in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. These assessments are aligned with state academic standards and are designed to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of students' knowledge and skills.

Key points about Smarter Balanced Assessments in education include:

Purpose: Smarter Balanced Assessments are designed to measure students' readiness for college and career by assessing their knowledge and skills in ELA and mathematics. They are used to gauge student performance and inform instructional improvements.
Computer-Based Testing: Smarter Balanced Assessments are typically administered online, allowing for interactive and adaptive testing experiences. However, some states may offer paper-based alternatives.
Adaptive Testing: The assessments are adaptive, meaning that the difficulty of questions can adjust based on a student's responses. This adaptive approach provides a more accurate assessment of a student's abilities.
Grade Levels: Smarter Balanced Assessments are typically administered in grades 3 through 8 and in high school (grade 11) to assess college and career readiness.
Content Areas: The assessments cover a range of content areas within ELA and mathematics, including reading, writing, listening, speaking, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
Formative and Summative Assessment: Smarter Balanced Assessments include both formative assessments, which are used to inform instruction during the school year, and summative assessments, which are used to measure overall student proficiency.
Reporting: The results of Smarter Balanced Assessments are used to provide feedback to educators, schools, and parents about student performance. They may also inform decisions related to curriculum and instruction.
Alignment with Standards: The assessments are aligned with state academic standards, ensuring that they reflect what students are expected to learn in their respective grade levels.
Accessibility Features: Smarter Balanced Assessments include accessibility features to accommodate students with disabilities and English language learners, ensuring that all students have an equitable testing experience.
Comparative Data: States that use Smarter Balanced Assessments can compare student performance with other participating states, allowing for broader insights into educational outcomes.
Smarter Balanced Assessments are part of a broader effort to improve assessment and accountability in education and to ensure that students are prepared for success in higher education and the workforce. These assessments provide valuable data to support educational decision-making at the state and local levels.

Other Terms Starting With S

Secondary School

Secondary school, also known as high school, refers to the educational institution that provides education to students in the stage between primary school and higher education. It typically covers grades 9 to 12, although the organization and grade levels can vary across different educational systems.

Standardized Testing

Standardized testing refers to assessments that are administered under uniform and controlled conditions, following specific procedures and guidelines to ensure consistency and comparability of results across test takers.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment is an evaluation method used to measure student learning and achievement at the end of a learning period, course, or instructional unit. It aims to assess the cumulative knowledge, skills, and understanding that students have acquired over a specific period.

Scientific Inquiry

Scientific inquiry refers to the systematic and rigorous process through which scientists investigate the natural world, propose explanations for phenomena, and test their hypotheses. It involves a combination of observation, experimentation, data analysis, and critical thinking to generate new knowledge and understanding.

Scope and Sequence

Scope and sequence refers to the organization and sequencing of content and skills in an educational curriculum. It outlines the specific topics, concepts, and skills to be taught at each grade level or within a specific course, providing a roadmap for instruction.

Student-Centered Learning

Student-centered learning is an educational approach that places the learner at the center of the instructional process. It focuses on tailoring teaching methods, curriculum, and assessment to the individual needs, interests, and strengths of students.

Scholarship

Scholarship refers to the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and academic excellence through research, study, and intellectual inquiry. It involves a systematic and disciplined approach to advancing knowledge in a particular field of study or discipline.

Student Engagemen

Student engagement refers to the degree of involvement, interest, and active participation exhibited by students in their learning experiences. It encompasses the emotional, behavioral, and cognitive aspects of student involvement and investment in the learning process.

Synthesize Information

Synthesizing information refers to the process of combining and integrating different sources of information to create a cohesive and comprehensive understanding or representation of a topic or concept. It involves analyzing, evaluating, and organizing information from various perspectives and sources to generate new insights, connections, or conclusions.

STEM Education

STEM education stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education. It is an interdisciplinary approach to learning that integrates these four disciplines to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation in students.

Service Learning

Service learning is an educational approach that combines academic learning with meaningful community service. It involves engaging students in hands-on projects or experiences that address community needs, while also integrating academic content and reflective activities.

SCORM

SCORM, which stands for Sharable Content Object Reference Model, is a set of technical standards used in e-learning and online education. SCORM enables interoperability between different learning management systems (LMS) and e-learning content, ensuring that content created in one system can be used in another without compatibility issues.

Student Achievement

Student achievement refers to the academic progress and accomplishments of students in their educational pursuits. It encompasses the level of knowledge, skills, and understanding that students have acquired as a result of their learning experiences.

Student Affairs

Student affairs, also known as student services or student support services, refers to the comprehensive range of non-academic services and programs provided by educational institutions to support students' personal, social, and emotional well-being.

Scientific Knowledge

Scientific knowledge refers to a systematic and evidence-based understanding of the natural world and the principles that govern its functioning. It is acquired through rigorous scientific research, observation, experimentation, and analysis.

Social Pedagogy

Social pedagogy is an interdisciplinary field of education that combines elements of pedagogy, sociology, psychology, and social work. It emphasizes the holistic development of individuals and communities, with a focus on social interaction, personal growth, and social justice.