Overview

The Connecticut State Department of Education is committed to ensuring that all students leave high school prepared for post-secondary success in college and careers. The Connecticut Smarter Balanced assessments are aligned to Connecticut Core Standards in English language arts/literacy and mathematics. A balanced assessment system which includes summative assessments, optional interim assessments, and formative assessment practices provides tools to improve teaching and learning. The assessment system includes: 

• A summative assessment of students in Grades 3 through 8 consists of various parts: a computer adaptive test (in ELA and mathematics) and performance task (in mathematics). This assessment can be used to describe student achievement and growth of student learning as part of program evaluation and school, district, and state accountability systems.
• Optional fixed form interim assessments that may be administered at locally determined intervals.  The interim assessments allow teachers to check student progress throughout the year, giving them actionable results that will inform instruction in order to help students meet the challenges of college- and career-ready standards.
• A web site, Tools for Teachers, created by educators that includes lessons and activities to enhance instruction, save time creating lessons, and prepare students for college or a career. Tools for Teachers makes it easier for educators to find the strategies that work for students with diverse needs and can help teachers plan instruction, including lessons, activities, instructional strategies, and links to sample test questions.
• A Centralized Reporting System that provides assessment results to teachers and administrators. The reports show student achievement and progress toward college and career readiness.  For further information on the new Centralized Reporting System, visit the Reporting System Video Series, 2020-2021. 

The CSDE Comprehensive Assessment Portal provides access to test administration resources for the Smarter Balanced Assessment. 

2021 Administration Resources

The Smarter Balanced Practice Tests provide an opportunity for teachers, students, parents, and other stakeholders to experience the features of online testing and gain insight into how Smarter Balanced assesses students’ mastery of the Connecticut Standards.

Sample Parent/Guardian Letter (Spanish Version) - This sample letter can be used to communicate with parents/guardians prior to testing. 

Smarter Balanced Content Explorer

The Smarter Balanced Content Explorer can be used to support instruction, interpret student results, and plan activities aligned to grade-level claims and targets; learn how Smarter Balanced assesses academic standards; explore the range of knowledge and skills for college and career readiness; and learn about test development with resources like blueprints and scoring rubrics. 

Smarter Balanced Test Blueprints

• Connecticut ELA Blueprint
• Connecticut Math Blueprint

• Special Population Documentation and Resources