SMARTER Balanced is a state-led consortium developing assessments aligned to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts/Literacy and Mathematics that are designed to help prepare all students to graduate high school college-and career-ready.  SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium Web site will provide information about the new generation of assessments.

SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium:  Item and Task Specifications Developed by Measured Progress/ETS Collaborative April 13, 2012

Take a look at the types of assessment items (as of May 2012) that will be included in the SMARTER Balanced Assessments beginning in the 2014-2015 school year.

Transitioning to the New Assessments (July 2012)

As teachers begin shaping lessons for the common standards, many are wondering how to prepare their students for tests that won't be ready for at least two years.  But sample items being drafted for those exams offer early ideas of what lies ahead.