ODE shortens SBAC test, delays plan to replace it

The Smarter Balanced tests for English language arts will be approximately one hour shorter this year at all grade levels, according to the Oregon Department of Education.

ODE worked with the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium to create customized tests that take less time but maintain reliability, according to an ODE news release Friday. The new tests go into effect Feb. 6.

ODE also announced that it will not be replacing the SBAC tests with another nationally recognized test for the 2018-19 school year. Replacing SBAC with an 11th-grade test such as the SAT or ACT would cost Oregon an additional $5.2 million to $5.7 million per biennium, according to ODE.

Reviews of assessment test possibilities also raised questions about equitable access, compliance with federal requirements, logistical needs and Oregon educator input. ODE said it would continue to study replacement assessment test options and take input. If stakeholders decide to move ahead, ODE would need to make a budgetary request to the 2019 Legislature for implementation during the 2020-21 school year.

- Jake Arnold, OSBA
jarnold@osba.org