The traditional days of coloring in circles with Number Two pencils have come to an end, as the students of the Andover School District have been introduced to a new type of standardized assessment. This spring, schools throughout the state are utilizing the New Hampshire Smarter Balanced Online Testing System, a computer-based format for evaluating student performance in the areas of English, Language Arts (reading and writing), and Mathematics. This testing, which has been mandated by the New Hampshire Department of Education, replaces the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) that was previously used to measure student progress.

The Smarter Balanced Assessments were created to align with Common Core State Standards, the current framework and guidelines for designing curriculum and educating our students. The testing is intended for students in grades three through eight and for those in high school who are in grade 11. The students at AE/MS began in March, and the goal is to have the testing completed by the spring break in April. Each week has been dedicated to a specific grade level.

There are different components that are given as Summative Assessments. The students begin with Computer Adaptive Testing, participate in a class discussion involving a specific topic, and then complete a Performance Task that relates to that classroom activity.

The questions are not “objective” (multiple choice, etc.) but encourage higher level, critical thinking and problem solving skills and are completed in essay form. The students are challenged to provide responses and reactions to everyday, real-world applications centering around a certain theme. They need to demonstrate reading, writing, and research capabilities along with both language-based and calculation-related mathematical skills.

Both students and staff were involved in an extensive amount of logistical preparation. Fortunately, the students are quite knowledgeable with their technology skills and are comfortable navigating the tools and options. They have familiarity with computer-based testing, since they had taken the Northwest Evaluation of Academic Progress (NWEA) in previous years.

Teachers participated in online training and were provided with several professional development resources to prepare for administration of the tests. There were practice tests which were taken at school and were also accessible to the parents to be given at home for those who chose to have a preview.

Schedules had to be created for the use of the computer lab, and some classes needed to be shifted. Some students who were designated to receive separate accommodations according to IEPs and 504 Plans were moved to a different classroom. Everyone at AE/MS has been affected and has persevered with patience and flexibility.

According to the Smarter Balanced Web site at SmarterBalanced.org, “Smarter Balanced is committed to ensuring that assessment and instruction embody the Common Core State Standards and that all students, regardless of disability, language, or subgroup status, have the opportunity to learn this valued content and show what they know and can do.” This data will assist in driving instruction, guide us in interventions, and provide a direction for teachers regarding professional development to enhance their techniques and practices.

The timeline for the receipt of results for this year’s testing is to be determined.