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 for Teachers

Interim Assessments and Digital Library resources provide teachers with additional support for instruction.

Go to Resources for Educators

Endorsed by Higher Ed

256 colleges use our test scores to determine students’ readiness for credit-bearing courses, and 6 use them for college admissions.

Browse participating colleges

Top 3 Reasons for teachers to use the Interim Assessments

Number 1

Check your students’ progress.

Number 2

Reflect on what’s working and what’s not.

Number 3

Connect with colleagues to collaborate.

Learn more
 

Tell me more about…

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

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.

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

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

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.