The Virgin Islands Department of Education (DOE) will administer the annual Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments to students in grades 3-8 and grade 11 from March 16 to June 4. The tests measure students’ proficiency in English Language Arts and Mathematics, and assess the Virgin Islands’ academic progress by examining students’ ability to problem solve, apply knowledge, listen, read complex texts and conduct research.
Prior to the opening of the official testing window, schools administer interim assessments to students in order to evaluate what students know and to help them become familiar with the online assessment platform, according to Alexandria Baltimore-Hookfin, state assessment director.
Parents are encouraged to take the practice tests, which provide a preview of what will be expected of students: https://vide.portal.airast.org/users/students-and-families.
The Smarter Balanced tests are a useful tool to assess students’ preparedness for college and career. The tests show students and their parents how well students are progressing; scores also help teachers know how to support their students’ learning.
The recently released 2018-2019 Smarter Balanced Assessments indicated an upward trend in student achievement territory-wide.
