Frequently Asked Questions Smarter Balanced Interim .
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim AssessmentsJanuary 14, 2015Dear Colleagues,Introductory information about the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessment System is now available. The Interim Assessments will be released in lateJanuary 2015. We have compiled a two-part, user friendly Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for busy leaders and teachers. The chart below summarizesinformation about the Interim Assessments. More information about the Interim Assessments, available training materials, and other resources areavailable on the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Web site: and the CSDE Smarter Balanced Assessment Portal: http://ct.portal.airast.org/The FAQ is paired with concise “jargon-free” answers and contains “considerations” and “cautions” for district and school leaders. Brief informationaltables below provide leaders with a quick overview of the available Interim Assessments. For more information regarding Interim Assessments, pleasecontactAbe KrisstEducation Consultantabe.krisst@ct.govGail PaganoEducation Consultantgail.pagano@ct.govJoe Di GarboEducation Consultantjoe.digarbo@ct.govDeirdre DucharmeEducation Consultantdeirdre.ducharme@ct.govDr. Cristi AlberinoEducation Consultantcristi.alberino@ct.govSincerely,Ellen Cohn, Interim Chief Academic Officer& the CSDE Academic Office Assessment TeamFAQ - TABLE OF CONTENTSFrequently Asked QuestionsTable 1 – 4 Available Interim Block Assessments – English Language Arts and MathematicsTable 5 Interim Comprehensive Assessments - Hand Scored vs. Machine Scored ItemsTable 6 - 7 Interim Block Assessments - Hand Scored vs. Machine Scored ItemsFigure 1 - 2 Sample Interim Comprehensive ReportsPages 2- 9Pages 10-11Pages 12Page 13-14Page 151
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim AssessmentsWhat is the SmarterBalanced InterimAssessment?The interim assessments are one of the three majorcomponents of the Smarter Balanced AssessmentSystem—along with the end-of-year summativeassessments in English language arts/literacy andmathematics, and a Digital Library of formativeassessment tools and practices that support classroominstructionConsiderations:What is the purposeof Smarter BalancedInterimAssessments?Interim Assessments are designed to support teachingand learning throughout the year. The InterimAssessments can inform instruction by:Considerations: measuring global progress of early and midyearperformance identifying areas of strength and weakness assessing skills of incoming students There are two options for the interim assessments: InterimComprehensive Assessment and Interim Assessment Blocks The use of Interim Assessments is a local decision. The CSDEprovides Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments as a resource toall Connecticut public schools and districts Interim Comprehensive and Block Assessments are notmandated Educators should weigh the need for measuring progress usingthe Interim Assessments against the need for time spent oninstruction Interim assessment results can:oinform teachers’ student goals/ objectives if mutually agreedupon by an educator and his or her evaluatorohelp set goals for individual studentsoprovide progress updates on the mastery of the CT CoreStandards in ELA/literacy and mathematicsCautions: Interim assessments are global measures of progress; they arenot necessarily predictive of summative assessment results2
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim AssessmentsWhat training willthe CSDE provide forthe administration,scoring, andinterpretation ofInterimAssessments? The CSDE will provide three sets of InterimAssessment workshops across CT in each of thefollowing months: May, June, August, September,and October 2015. Scheduled dates and locationsare below. Each workshop will allow a maximum of150 participants. Workshop registration informationwill be forthcoming.Norwich VicinityVenue TBD Districts will have full access to all Smarter Balancedonline training modules and materials focused onthe administration, scoring, and interpretation ofInterim Assessments at http://ct.portal.airast.org/Considerations: Workshops will accommodate 150 participants and additionalregistration information will be forthcoming If pursuing the use of Interim Assessments prior to CSDEtraining, districts should be aware that extensive training isrequired in the administration, rubrics, and hand-scoring ofconstructed response items using an electronic platform, as wellas reporting and data interpretationoExtensive online training, resources, and materials areavailable through the Smarter Balanced ConsortiumoAn individual or team should be designated to lead the localeffort to develop experience and to provide/facilitateprofessional learning using the Interim Assessments Interim Assessments require both training time for educatorsand testing time for students. Leaders and educators arestrongly encouraged to weigh the need for measuring progressin this manner this year against the need for critical time spenton instruction prior to the Smarter Balanced SummativeAssessment If pursuing Interim Assessment administration in the 2014-15school year, decisions concerning the use of InterimAssessments should take into account how results will be usedand communicated to stakeholderso In establishing student learning goals/objectives in teacherevaluation, multiple measures of progress may includeInterim Comprehensive or Interim Block Assessmentresults, if mutually agreed upon by the educator and his orher evaluator3
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim Assessments What otherassessment trainingand support does theCSDE provide fordistricts? o Careful planning is required for the data use and reporting ofindividual or aggregated resultsAdditional resources can be found in the SmarterBalanced Digital ginoUnderstanding the Smarter BalancedInterim AssessmentsoUsing Interim Assessment Blocks to SupportTeaching and LearningoUnderstanding the Smarter BalancedAssessment Systemo Online professional learning includes training modules,resources, and materials, and are available through theSmarter Balanced ConsortiumThe CSDE is also providing regional workshops titled“Connecting the Claims to Classroom Instruction,”focusing on the how the Smarter Balanced “Claims”are derived from the Common Core State Standardsand represent reporting categories for thesummative and interim assessmentsConsiderations:oClaims are broad statements of the assessmentsystem’s learning outcomes, each of whichrequires evidence that articulates the types ofdata/observations that will supportinterpretations of competence oEach claim is accompanied by a set ofassessment targets that provide more detailabout the range of content and Depth ofKnowledge levels CSDE recommends sending educators to one of the “Connectingthe Claims to Classroom Instruction” workshops to build a morein-depth understanding of the CT Core Standards and SmarterBalanced Assessment prior to using the Interim AssessmentsCautions:Familiarizing students and teachers with the Smarter Balancedsummative assessment can be achieved through the PracticeTests and Training Tests available on the Smarter BalancedAssessment Web siteParticipants in these trainings will have theopportunity to engage in activities to betterunderstand what students need to know and beable to do to demonstrate mastery of the standards4
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim Assessmentso Watch for upcoming announcements onworkshops at our PD Pagehttp://ctcorestandards.org/?page id 1955For the 2014-15school year, how arethe InterimAssessmentsstructured?There are two types of Interim Assessments:Considerations: Decisions about Interim Comprehensive Assessment choice andfrequency are determined locally by districts, schools, andeducators The content of the Interim Comprehensive Assessment is basedon “claims” and “targets” that are drawn from, and align to, theCT Core Standards in Grades 3-8 and high school Educators should have clarity regarding the purpose of theassessment and the uses of the assessment data beforecommitting to the use of Interim Assessments Based on the purpose of the assessment for instructionalplanning, any grade level Interim Comprehensive Assessmentmay be used (e.g., a Grade 7 Interim Comprehensive Assessmentcan be administered above or below Grade 7) Districts or schools should consider the time needed forclassroom instruction in the standards vs. the time needed fortest administration of the Interim Comprehensives1. Interim Comprehensive Assessments(“Comprehensives”) Are fully accessible to students Are in fixed form (not computer adaptive) Are designed using the same ELA andmathematics claims and assessment targets asthe summative assessment Are available for students in Grades 3 throughhigh school Any grade can be used, depending on purposeCautions:2. Interim Assessment Blocks (“Blocks”) Interim Comprehensive Assessments mirror the full summativeassessment Interim Comprehensive Assessments are untimed tests,however average administration times are similar to thesummative grade level administrationConsiderations: Decisions about Interim Block Assessment choice and frequency5
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim Assessments Are in fixed form (not computer adaptive) Are shorter assessments focusing on fewerassessment targets Address more specific areas of the content Are available for students in Grades 3-8 and highschool Any grade may be used, depending on purposeare determined by local districts, schools, and educators Educators should have clarity regarding the purpose of theassessment and the uses of the assessment data beforecommitting to the use of Interim Block Assessments Content of the Interim Block Assessment is based on “claims”and “targets” that are drawn from and align to the CT CoreStandards in Grades 3-8 and high school Based on the purpose of the assessment for instructionalplanning, any grade level Interim Block Assessment may be used(e.g., a Grade 7 Interim Comprehensive Assessment can beadministered above or below Grade 7) Interim Block Assessments may be very useful when aligned withcurriculum units that address the same contentCautions: Are the InterimAssessment testitems the same asthe SummativeAssessment testitems? The Interim Assessment test items are the same asthe summative test items, specifically:Interim Blocks are untimed tests, however averageadministration time ranges from 30-60 minutes per blockConsiderations: Interim Comprehensives and Interim Blocks can be administeredmultiple times during the school year Both Interim Comprehensives and Interim Blocks draw from thesame pool of items, therefore students may see some of thesame items more than onceoall items were developed togetheroall items assess the claims and targets aligned tothe CT Core Standardsoall items designed and developed usingUniversal Design principlesCautions:oall items have the same accessibility resources oall items provide evidence to support claims inmathematics and English language arts/ literacyInterim assessment items could become over-exposed throughrepeated use Repeated use may negatively impact the validity in measuringtrue progress6
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim Assessments What else should Iknow about theInterim Assessmenttest items? The Interim Assessment items are different fromthe summative assessment items, specifically:ointerim assessment items are kept in a separate,non-secure pooloteachers may review the interim items and theirstudents’ responses to them While the interim items are non-secure; items are not intendedfor public disclosure (e.g. posting on a public web-site)All Interim assessment items are:Considerations:ofully accessible for all students opresented only in fixed form online tests in2014-15, but will become adaptive as the itembank grows (earliest expected in Fall 2015, butdependent on item availability)The use of Interim Assessments is a local decision. The CSDEprovides Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments as a resource toall Connecticut public schools and districts The Interim Assessments are not mandated by state or federallawEducators should weigh the need for measuring progress usingthe Interim Assessments against the need for time spent oninstruction Interim Comprehensive Assessments for bothELA/literacy and mathematics are available in the2014-15 school year Interim Assessment Blocks are:Cautions:o If assessment reduction is a priority in the district, clarityregarding the purpose and use of Interim Assessments (either asan addition or as a replacement) is critical Interim Assessment results should not be used as a sole measureof student progress, but may be one of multiple measures ofstudent progress Not all assessment items are available in the InterimComprehensive or Interim Block Assessments in 2014-15 (seetables 1 – 4 for more information). Districts, schools and educators may choose to use theremainder of 2014-15 for professional learning/ informeddecision-making about the use of Interim Assessment andavailable for use, but dependent on itemavailability in the interim pool7
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim Assessmentscareful planning for district-wide professional learning for alleducators, prior to the use of Interim AssessmentsHow are the InterimAssessmentsadministered? Interim Comprehensive and Interim BlockAssessments are fixed-form online tests and willbecome adaptive as item bank grows (anticipated infall 2015)How are the InterimAssessments scored? Most items are machine-scoredConsiderations: Both Interim Comprehensive and Interim BlockAssessments have some items that are notmachine-scored Planning and decision-making is required regarding how trainingin scoring, as well as scoring calibration and fidelity, will beconducted and maintained locally Scoring of non-machine scored items is a district’sresponsibility Finding time for training and the calibration of scoring must beconsidered as part of the learning process A Teacher Hand Scoring System will be provided the same scoring rules are used as in thesummative assessmentItem availability for the Interim Block Assessments is found inTables 1-4 beginning on page 10 all training materials to score test items will beprovidedScoring information for the Interim Comprehensive Assessmentsis found in Table 5 on page 12 Scoring information for the Interim Block Assessments is foundin Table 6-7 on page 13Interim Comprehensive and Interim BlockAssessments use the same delivery software(browser) as the summative assessmentooConsiderations: Local decision-making is required regarding the control/releaseof Interim Assessments at the district, school, or classroom levelCautions: While hand scoring, using a rubric, is not new to CT educators,and was a standard component of CMT and CAPT assessment,districts should expect a learning curve for the Smarter Balancedhand scored items8
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim AssessmentsHow are the InterimAssessments resultsreported?Interim Comprehensive AssessmentsConsiderations: The purpose of the assessment should be clear to involvedstakeholders Determinations should be made prior to the use of the InterimCompressive or Interim Block Assessments, concerning: Results are reported as overall scale scores,performance level designation, and claim scoreinformationReports come from the CSDE Test InformationDistribution Engine (TIDE) access to the reports available and whether educators willbe trained in interpreting assessment resultsothe use of reports for evaluating programs or schoolsothe use of reports in the educator evaluation and supportsystem established in the districtSee figures 1-2 on page 15 for sample reportsInterim Block Assessment oResults are reported as “Below Standard, “At/NearStandard,” and “Above Standard” Multiple measures of progress may include InterimAssessment results if mutually agreed upon by theeducator and his or her evaluatorReports come from the CSDE Test InformationDistribution Engine (TIDE)o parent notification and reports, as well as parent guide forinterpreting reportsPlanning and decision making is required at the local level priorto using reportsCautions: Careful planning is required for the data use and reporting ofindividual or aggregated results9
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim AssessmentsAVAILABLE INTERIM BLOCK ASSESSMENT INFORMATIONTable 1. 2014-15 AVAILABLE INTERIM BLOCK ASSESSMENTS - ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTSGRADE 3 - 5GRADE 6 - 8HIGH SCHOOLRead Literary TextsRead Literary TextsRead Literary TextsRead Informational TextsRead Informational TextsRead Informational TextsEdit/ReviseBrief WritesEdit/ReviseBrief WritesEdit/ReviseBrief pretResearchResearchResearchNarrative Performance TaskNarrative Performance Task* Grade 4-5 only in 2014-15*Not available in 2014-15Informational Performance TaskExplanatory Performance TaskExplanatory Performance Task* Not available in 2014-15*Not available in 2014-15*Not available in 2014-15Argument Performance TaskArgument Performance TaskOpinion Performance Task* Grade 3 only in 2014-15---Table 2. 2014-15 AVAILABLE INTERIM BLOCK ASSESSMENTS - MATHEMATICSGRADE 3GRADE 4GRADE 5Operations and Algebraic ThinkingNumbers and Operations in Base 10Operations and Algebraic ThinkingOperations and Algebraic ThinkingNumbers and Operations in Base 10Numbers and Operations in Base 10FractionsFractions* Not available in 2014-15Fractions--Measurement and DataMathematics Performance TaskGeometryGeometry* Not available in 2014-15* Not available in 2014-15Measurement and DataMeasurement and Data* Not available in 2014-15* Not available in 2014-15Mathematics Performance TaskMathematics Performance Task10
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim AssessmentsTable 3. 2014-15 AVAILABLE INTERIM BLOCK ASSESSMENTS - MATHEMATICSGRADE 6GRADE 7GRADE 8Ratio and Proportional RelationshipsRatio and Proportional RelationshipsExpressions & Equations I (and Proportionality) **Number SystemNumber SystemExpressions & Equations II **Expressions and EquationsExpressions and EquationsFunctionsGeometryGeometryGeometry* Not available in 2014-15Statistics and ProbabilityStatistics and Probability* Not available in 2014-15* Not available in 2014-15Mathematics Performance TaskMathematics Performance TaskMathematics Performance Task---* * Available as a single Expressions & Equations Block in Grade 8 in 2014-2015Table 4. 2014-15 AVAILABLE INTERIM BLOCK ASSESSMENTS - MATHEMATICSHIGH SCHOOLAlgebra and Functions - Linear FunctionsAlgebra and Functions - Quadratic FunctionsAlgebra and Functions - Exponential FunctionsGeometry - Transformations in GeometryInterpreting Categorical and Quantitative Data* Not available in 2014-15* Not available in 2014-15Geometry - Right Triangle Ratios in GeometryProbability* Not available in 2014-15Geometry - Three - Dimensional GeometryMaking Inferences and Justifying Conclusions* Not available in 2014-15* Not available in 2014-15Algebra and Functions - Polynomials FunctionsGeometry – Proofs* Not available in 2014-15* Not available in 2014-15Algebra and Functions - Radicals FunctionsGeometry – Circles* Not available in 2014-15* Not available in 2014-15Algebra and Functions - Rational FunctionsGeometry – Applications* Not available in 2014-15* Not available in 2014-15Mathematics Performance Task11
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim AssessmentsINTERIM ASSESSMENT SCORING INFORMATIONTable 5. INTERIM COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT - HAND SCORED VS. MACHINE SCORED ITEMSENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND MATHEMATICSCAT ShortAnswerPerformanceTask ShortAnswerPerformanceTask EssayTotalItemsGradeSubjectTest Name3ELAInterim Comprehensive Assessment32147MathematicsInterim Comprehensive Assessment04037ELAInterim Comprehensive Assessment32148MathematicsInterim Comprehensive Assessment03036ELAInterim Comprehensive Assessment32147MathematicsInterim Comprehensive Assessment02037ELAInterim Comprehensive Assessment32149MathematicsInterim Comprehensive Assessment02036ELAInterim Comprehensive Assessment32149MathematicsInterim Comprehensive Assessment02037ELAInterim Comprehensive Assessment32149MathematicsInterim Comprehensive Assessment02037ELAInterim Comprehensive Assessment32146MathematicsInterim Comprehensive Assessment14039456781112
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim AssessmentsTable 6. INTERIM BLOCK ASSESSMENTS - HAND SCORE COUNT VS. TOTAL ITEMSENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTSGrade345678Assessment BlockReading Literary TextReading Informational TextShort Answer11Edit and ReviseBrief WritesListen and InterpretResearchOpinion Performance TaskReading Literary Text060021Reading Informational TextEdit and ReviseBrief WritesListen and InterpretResearchNarrative Performance Task106002Reading Literary TextReading Informational TextEdit and ReviseBrief WritesListen and InterpretResearch110600Narrative Performance TaskReading Literary TextReading Informational TextEdit and ReviseBrief WritesListen and Interpret211060Research0Argument Performance TaskReading Literary Text21Reading Informational TextEdit and ReviseBrief WritesListen and InterpretResearchArgument Performance Task106002Reading Literary TextReading Informational TextEdit and ReviseBrief Writes1106EssayTotal 61518114161617615154161614613
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim Assessments11Listen and Interpret015ResearchArgument Performance TaskReading Literary TextReading Informational TextEdit and ReviseBrief Writes0211061741615186Listen and InterpretResearchExplanatory Performance Task002115171TABLE 7. INTERIM BLOCK ASSESSMENTS - HAND SCORE COUNT VS. TOTAL ITEMSMATHEMATICSGrade34567811Assessment BlockOperations and Algebraic ThinkingFractionsMeasurement and DataMathematics Performance TaskOperations and Algebraic ThinkingHand-scored Items00040Total Items151315Numbers and Operations in Base 10FractionsMathematics Performance TaskMeasurement and DataNumbers and Operations in Base 10Fractions0030001516Mathematics Performance TaskRatio and Proportional RelationshipsExpressions and EquationsGeometryMathematics Performance TaskRatio and Proportional Relationships200020Number SystemExpressions and EquationsMathematics Performance TaskExpressions & Equations II BlockFunctions BlockGeometry Block002000141514141514Mathematics Performance TaskAlgebra and Functions - Linear FunctionsAlgebra and Functions - Quadratic FunctionsGeometry - Right Triangle Ratios in GeometryMathematics Performance Task200041512131514161514151314
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmarter Balanced Interim AssessmentsSAMPLE INTERIM COMPREHENSIVE REPORTSFigure 1. Sample Class Report – Interim Comprehensive Assessment - OverviewFigure 2. Sample Individual Report – Interim Comprehensive Assessment - Mathematics15
Smarter Balanced Interim Assessments 1 January 14, 2015 Dear Colleagues, Introductory information about the Smarter Balanced Interim Assessment System is now available. The Interim Assessments will be released in late January 2015. We have compiled a two-part, user friendly Freque
Smarter Balanced Communication Task Force Provide consistent and compelling messaging about the value of the CCSS and Smarter Balanced assessments. Customize and disseminate a set of materials and tools to ensure the successful implementation of the new Smarter Balanced Assessment System. 39
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answers in varied formats The questions that follow illustrate the types of questions your child will answer on the Hawai‘i Smarter Balanced English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics Assessments and the Hawai‘i State Science Assessments. A Smarter Balanced English Language Arts or M
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Apr 14, 2020 · Coronavirus: Frequently Asked Questions? This is important information for you about coronavirus (COVID-19). . People have asked us lots of questions about coronavirus. We call these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). We answer many of
Smarter Balanced English/Language Arts Scoring Guide 3 Baseline Anchor Set: How is a “Baseline Anchor Set” developed? Professional contractor scorers, trained to use the Smarter Balanced scoring rubrics, preliminarily score a range of student responses, defining top
The purpose of this guide is to provide information about the Smarter Balanced Summa-tive Assessments, including sample test items for English language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics. This information will help parents better understand their children’s test results. The Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments are part of the California As-
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