Assessments

The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (Smarter Balanced) is a state-led consortium working to develop next-generation assessments that accurately measure student progress toward college- and career-readiness. Starting in the 2014-15 school year, 

• New Smarter Balanced tests will replace the math, reading and writing portions of the MSP students in grades 3-8. The science portion of the MSP (tested in grades 5 and 8) will remain the same. 

• Algebra and Geometry students will take Exit Exams aligned to the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics. 

• 11th graders will take the high school level of the new Smarter Balanced tests in mathematics and ELA, but meeting standard on the tests is not a graduation requirement until the Class of 2019. 

• Students will not take the new Smarter Balanced tests in grades K-2, 9, 10 or 12.

In 2011, Northshore School District began a three-year transition to the Common Core State Standards in order to prepare students and staff for these changes.