The now LIVE SMARTER BALANCED ASSESSMENT SYSTEM prompts an understandable scramble for current and accurate information. OSPI’s Office of Assessment provides a Smarter Balanced website with up-to-date facts: http://www.k12.wa.us/smarter . Monthly webinars cover relevant topics in-depth, addressing challenges, updates and frequently asked questions. All past webinars are archived and accessible: http://www.k12.wa.us/SMARTER/Webinars.aspx
The DIGITAL LIBRARY, now available, provides educators with access to high-quality vetted instructional and professional learning resources for grades K-12. It includes lesson plans, units, and learning modules for educators to use with students and staff. The Digital Library is accessed through a single sign-on with user permission. District Assessment Coordinators (DACs) can support staff if access issues arise.
Optional INTERIM ASSESSMENTS will be available in January 2015. Using the same system as Summative Assessments, they can be administered at various points in the year at schools’ and teachers’ discretion. They include Interim Comprehensive Assessments (available Jan. 6, 2015) and Interim Assessment Blocks (available Jan. 27, 2015). They are flexible, non-secure periodic assessments, designed to provide feedback that teachers can use to help students succeed. They are not intended for accountability.
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS are required. They will take place during the last 12 weeks of the school year. These computer-based tests (paper and pencil is an option) will help schools evaluate how well their students performed by comparing them with students from other schools across the nation. The end-of-year assessments also will empower families by providing them with a clear indication of how well their children are progressing toward mastering the academic knowledge and skills necessary for college and career readiness.
The following documents provide an overview of: Summative Assessments for 2014-15 and Beyond; High School Tests for Accountability; High School Graduation Requirements; High School Tests for Spring 2015.
2015 Testing Windows:
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