The spelling of the acronym "SBAC" is fairly straightforward. It consists of four letters which are pronounced individually: /ɛs/ /bi/ /eɪ/ /si/. The first letter, "S," is pronounced as the letter "ess." The second letter, "B," is pronounced as the letter "bee." The third letter, "A," is pronounced as the sound "ay" (like the "a" in "bay"). And the final letter, "C," is pronounced as the sound "si" (like the "c" in "cease"). Together, the letters form the acronym for the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.
SBAC stands for Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. It is a collaborative organization of U.S. states formed to develop and implement a comprehensive assessment system aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts and mathematics.
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium aims to provide high-quality, standardized assessments that effectively measure students' knowledge, skills, and abilities in these subjects. The assessments include both computer-adaptive tests and performance tasks, allowing for a more comprehensive evaluation of students' understanding and application of knowledge.
The SBAC assessments are designed to go beyond simply testing rote memorization and multiple-choice responses. They emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to apply concepts in real-world scenarios. By focusing on these skills, the SBAC assessments aim to better prepare students for success in higher education and the modern workforce.
The consortium provides states with a range of resources and support to implement the assessments effectively. This includes access to test blueprints, item banks, and professional development opportunities for educators. Ultimately, the goal of SBAC is to provide a standardized, reliable, and valid assessment system that accurately reflects students' proficiency levels, informs instructional decisions, and supports educational equity across member states.