English Language Arts

Resources that support the implementation of state administered English Language Arts assessments

Resource	Description
Back to School Assessment Playbook	This Playbook provides recommendations to educators, whether they are teaching in-person or remotely, that will help them use formative and interim assessment strategies to support the learning of their students in the upcoming school year. It Includes i) guidance on choosing and using the right instructional resources and strategies, ii) recommendations on teaching and measuring the highest priority content in each subject, and iii) information about the unique role of the Interim Comprehensive Assessment (ICA), which measures a similar range of content as the summative assessment and assesses similar claims, targets, and standards.
Balanced Assessment System Model	This model provides an overview of the types of assessments, from classroom/formative to summative.
Content Specifications	The content specifications serve as the basis for the Smarter Balanced system of summative and interim assessments and formative assessment support for teachers. They ensure that the assessments cover the range of knowledge and skills specified in the Common Core State Standards.
Delaware Assessment Calendar	Calendar for ALL State Assessments.
ELA Assessment Blueprints	Indicates the types and number of items and item counts on the DeSSA ELA/Lit and mathematics Assessments.
ELA Assessment Overview Brochure	Provides an overview of the Mathematics State Assessment for grades 3-8.
ELA Crosswalks-Claims/Targets/Standards	The Crosswalks align the Delaware ELA Standards to the assessment claims and assessment targets. Can be used to design classroom lessons and district assessments. In addition, serves as a guide in understanding the Smarter ELA reports.
ELA Cut Scores	Cut scores for the Four Achievement levels - Levels 3 and 4 demonstrate proficiency of the standards assessment on the summative test.
ELA/Math assessments Overview - How to prepare for Elementary Grades	An overview of the format of the ELA and Math Assessments for the Elementary grades. It also includes the tools the students will be able to use. Parents can view these tools when accessing the Practice tests.
ELA/Math assessments Overview - How to prepare for Middle School Grades	Provides students, educators, and parents information about the ELA and Math assessments for the Middle School grades, its tools, and good practices of taking the ELA/Math assessments. Parents can view these tools when accessing the Practice tests.
Family Guides for ELA and Math (Grade-Level Content)	This guide outlines what your child should have learned this year as well as how to prepare for success in the upcoming school year. It also offers suggestions for ways to support your child based on his/her ELA/Math scores.
Family Portal - Score Reporting	This Family Portal provides scores on the Summative State Assessments (ELA and Mathematics). It also contains resources (i.e., Interpretive Guide, Family Guides, Cut Scores, etc.) Parent must have an Access Code, Date of Birth of child, and First name to access the Portal. If parents don't have the access code for your child please, contact your school for assistance. The access code will remain the same each year to access your child when attending a grade 3-8 Delaware public school.
Interim Assessment Overview	An overview of the purpose and types of Interim assessments available for each of grades 3-8.
Practice Tests and Sample Items	Explore the Practice tests developed using the same criteria, rigor and content as the summative assessments
Smarter Balanced State Assessment FAQ	This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provides information about the State assessments for grades 3-8 and the alignment to the Delaware State Standards as well as some resources about the assessments.
The Four Formative Assessment Attributes	The Formative Assessment Process (FA) is used by teachers and students to provide actionable feedback to the learner, which is then used to adjust ongoing teaching and learning strategies to improve students' attainment of curricular learning targets/goals.
The Role of Interim Assessments in a Comprehensive Assessment System	In a comprehensive Assessment System, like the one we have in Delaware, there is a role for all types of assessments at the state, district and school level. This article gives a good overview of the role of interim assessments.
Three Tools to Help You (and Your Students) Get to Know the Summative Test	An overview of three different tools (training test, Practice test, and Sample Items) and when to use them
Tools for Teachers	This website offers a wealth of Educator-created lessons, activities, strategies, and professional development to help tailor instruction and boost learning.
Understanding Formative Assessment Process for Classroom Instruction	This video about Formative Assessment (FA) process shows the value of FA when used by students and teachers during instruction to adjust teaching and learning strategies to reach their goals. So what is the formative assessment process? This video explores what it is, what it isn't, and why it is such a powerful tool for boosting learning outcomes.
Understanding the Interim Assessments	This video will explore the three types of interim assessments, the different ways interims can be used to inform instruction, how to determine which interim to give, and about the Smarter Balanced Connections Playlist associated with interim assessments and how they can be used to support students, plan instruction, and take action.
Understanding the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment	This video explores the two parts of the summative assessment, why it is a valuable component of every student's educational journey, and what supports are available to make it accessible for test-takers.