September 22, 2025

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Last spring, students in Easton and Redding participated in two important statewide assessments that provide valuable insights into student learning: the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) for grades 3–8 and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Assessment for grades 5 and 8. These tests assess different areas of student performance, helping educators tailor curriculum and instruction to meet student needs.

Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA): The SBA measures student performance in mathematics and English language arts/literacy and aligns with the Connecticut Core Standards. The test is adaptive, responding to student performance as they answer questions, which are designed to evaluate various problem-solving and reasoning skills.

Test Content:

• Mathematics: Concepts and procedures, problem-solving, data analysis, and reasoning.

• English Language Arts/Literacy: Reading, writing, listening, and research/inquiry.

Scoring: SBA scores are categorized into four performance levels:

1. Exceeds (Level 4)

2. Meets (Level 3)

3. Approaching (Level 2)

4. Does Not Meet (Level 1)

Students scoring at Levels 3 or 4 are considered within the "Goal Range," a challenging but achievable standard. These scores help educators identify areas for curriculum improvement and pinpoint students who may benefit from extra academic support or enrichment.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Assessment: Students in grades 5 and 8 also took the NGSS Assessment, which evaluates student understanding of Life Science, Physical Science, Earth/Space Science.

The test focuses on real-world applications, requiring students to demonstrate their understanding of scientific principles through the use of science and engineering practices. NGSS scores also include four performance levels, related to their Achievement Standards: Exceeds, Meets, Approaching, Does Not Meet. 

Additionally, discipline-specific results (Life, Physical, and Earth/Space Science) are reported as Above Standard, Approaching Standard, or Below Standard.

Both the SBA and NGSS assessments offer a range of supports and accommodations for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, or English Learner eligibility. These accommodations ensure that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on these assessments.

Understanding Your Child’s Results

Your child’s test results provide valuable information to guide their education in the year ahead. Teachers and school administration will use these results to better understand each student’s progress and plan appropriate instruction. 

• For more information about the SBA, including sample test items, visit the Connecticut State Department of Education’s website and search for “Parent Resources for Connecticut Summative Assessments.”

• For resources on supporting your child in science, visit the NGSS Parent Guides for tips on how to foster scientific understanding at home.

If you have any questions regarding your child’s Individual Student Report, please do not hesitate to contact their teacher. We encourage you to engage in conversations about your child’s progress and how you can support them at home. 

How to Access Your Child's Student Portfolio Assessments on the Parent Portal.

1. After logging into the Parent Portal, click on "Portfolio (+)" in the left navigation menu.

2. Please click on the SBAC assessment.

3. Click on 2024–2025. The e-report has two pages, and you can find the scores on the second page.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting your child’s academic success.