More than just a test

Supporting high-quality teaching
Improving learning for all students
Preparing students for life after high school

Explore Smarter Balanced

A Smarter Assessment System

Our tests and resources support teaching and learning, allowing all students to demonstrate what they know.

Learn about the complete system

Created by Teachers

Our system has been developed by the states that use it. More than 4,700 educators have contributed.

Learn about teacher involvement

Endorsed by Higher Ed

More than 250 colleges use our test scores as a factor in determining students’ readiness for college courses.

Browse participating colleges

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Interim Tests

Optional interim assessments allow teachers to check student progress throughout the year, giving them information they can use to improve their instruction and help students meet the challenge of college- and career-ready standards. Keep reading about the interim assessments.

Practice Tests

Head over to the Practice and Training Tests page for information and access. Looking just for sample test questions? We have those too.

What test questions look like

Check out the Sample Questions page. You can try out some sample items without going through the Practice Test, and you can learn more about the different kinds of test items used on Smarter Balanced assessments.

Understanding my child's score

You can learn about how scores are reported and categorized on the Reporting Scores page.

Also, the Parent page includes resources to help you make sense of your child’s Smarter Balanced score.

Accessing the Digital Library

For educators and Smarter Balanced members, the Digital Library houses lots of resources to support classroom instruction. Head over to the Educator page for more information.

Computer Adaptive Testing

This feature makes Smarter Balanced assessments individualized to each student. If a student answers a question correctly, the next question will be harder; if a student answers incorrectly, the next question will be easier. Read more about Computer Adaptive Testing technology.

Support for English learners and students with disabilities

Accessibility for all students is a core principle of Smarter Balanced. For students with special needs or those learning English, Smarter Balanced assessments have been designed so that any student can participate and demonstrate what they know in a way that can be accurately measured. Read more about accessibility and accommodations.

Led by Members

We are a consortium of 15 states, one territory, and the Bureau of Indian Education. These members work together to determine how the Smarter Balanced assessment system is developed and improved. Members have the flexibility to use the system to meet their individual needs.

Explore Our Membership

For Parents

Wondering how Smarter Balanced will help support your child’s learning? Questions about the assessment your child is taking in school? Looking for Resources? Look no further.

For Educators

The Smarter Balanced assessment system is designed to support instruction and give teachers better information about their students’ progress. Check out our resources.

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