Smarter Balanced Results

This week our students will receive the results of the Smarter Balanced Assessments they took last spring.  The delay in getting the final results was due to the larger districts who took the test using paper and pencil rather than a computer.  Those results took much longer to score.  (We have been told that next year's results will be ready in August as all schools will be using computers.) We are in the process of printing out each child's report and information.  All reports will be mailed to families this Friday, November 13. 

Here are some things you should know about these new state assessments:

• We are committed to preparing all students for success at each grade and after high school whether it be college or a career.  The Smarter Balanced Assessment provides us with a clear picture of where every child is:  both strengths and weaknesses.
• The student results on these tests establish a new baseline- we will use these to measure each students progress going forward.
• The Smarter Balanced test replaced the previous statewide NECAP test.  The new test is a more accurate tool for educators, students and parents as we work together to ensure our students' success.
• The assessment scores for this year should not be compared to previous scores.  The Smarter Balanced test emphasizes real-world skills and is very different from the NECAP.
• No parent, student or teacher should be discouraged by scores- they will only be used to focus on the needs of each student.
• The new Smarter Balanced Assessments are computer based, interactive and engaging and are more effective measurement tools than paper and pencil tests.
• This assessment is just one measure of a student's knowledge.  Teachers are the experts about what is happening in their classrooms and are an invaluable resource for parents. Please reach out to your child's teacher for more information on how they perform in class.  There are open-house events at each school that will provide you with this opportunity, or, call your child's school to set up an appointment with your child's teacher.
• This school year, all juniors will be taking the SAT assessment instead of Smarter Balanced.  Grades 3-8 will continue taking Smarter Balanced.

Again,these test results will establish a base line for your child and will serve as an important starting point for families and teachers.  Each year we will be able to measure growth in specific areas, as well as, focus on those areas of weakness. We are posting more information on our website www.sau33.com to answer some of your questions. Please also contact your child's teacher for help in understanding specific results or to arrange an appointment.  The schools can be reached by calling:  895-6616 (High School), 895-3394 (Middle School), and 895-3117 (Elementary School).