The following states have not adopted Common Core or have fully replaced it with state-specific standards:

• Texas: Uses Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
• Virginia: Uses Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL)
• Alaska: Uses Alaska Standards
• Nebraska: Uses locally developed standards (no state standards)
• Oklahoma: Replaced Common Core with Oklahoma Academic Standards

Note: Some states listed above use standards very similar to Common Core but under different names.

Digital Adaptive Testing

Smarter Balanced uses computer-adaptive technology - the test adjusts difficulty based on student responses.

Two Components:

1. Computer Adaptive Test (CAT)

• Measures overall achievement
• Adapts to student skill level
• Multiple-choice and technology-enhanced items

2. Performance Task (PT)

• Extended activity measuring deeper thinking
• Real-world scenarios
• Written responses and problem-solving

Test Length:

Note: Tests are typically administered over multiple sessions across several days

Four Key Strands:

1. Reading

• Reading Literature: Analyzing fiction, drama, poetry
• Reading Informational Text: Comprehending non-fiction texts
• Reading Foundational Skills: Phonics, fluency (K-5 only)

2. Writing

• Argument writing - constructing logical arguments
• Informative/explanatory writing - explaining topics clearly
• Narrative writing - telling stories effectively
• Research - conducting and presenting research

3. Speaking and Listening

• Collaborative discussions
• Presenting knowledge and ideas
• Integrating and evaluating information

4. Language

• Conventions of standard English (grammar, usage)
• Vocabulary acquisition and use
• Knowledge of language

Mathematical Practices (All Grades):

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively
• Construct viable arguments and critique reasoning of others
• Model with mathematics
• Use appropriate tools strategically
• Attend to precision
• Look for and make use of structure
• Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

Content Domains by Grade Band:

Elementary Grades (K-5):

• Counting and Cardinality (Kindergarten)
• Operations and Algebraic Thinking: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
• Basic operations: 25 + 47 = 72, 8 × 6 = 48
• Number and Operations in Base Ten: Place value, multi-digit operations
• Number and Operations - Fractions: Understanding fractions, operations
• Fraction operations: ¹⁄₂ + ¹⁄₄ = ³⁄₄
• Measurement and Data: Length, time, money, data analysis
• Geometry: Shapes, attributes, area, perimeter
• Area formula: A = l × w

Middle School (6-8):

• Ratios and Proportional Relationships: ³⁄₅ = x/20
• The Number System: Integers, rational numbers, irrational numbers
• Expressions and Equations: 3x + 7 = 22
• Functions: Linear functions, y = mx + b
• Geometry: Volume, surface area, angle relationships
• Volume of cylinder: V = πr²h
• Statistics and Probability: Data analysis, probability models

High School (9-12):

• Number and Quantity: Real and complex numbers, vectors, matrices
• Algebra: Polynomials, quadratics, exponentials
• Quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
• Functions: Linear, quadratic, exponential, trigonometric
• Geometry: Congruence, similarity, trigonometry, circles
• Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c²
• Statistics and Probability: Inference, probability distributions

Common Core State Standards Official Resources

Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium

State Education Department Websites

Check your state's Department of Education website for:

• Specific testing dates and schedules
• Practice tests and sample questions
• Parent resources and guides
• Results and score interpretation

Is Common Core a test?

No. Common Core State Standards are learning goals - academic standards that describe what students should know and be able to do. Various tests (like Smarter Balanced) measure whether students are meeting these standards.

Do all states use Common Core?

No. As of 2025, 41 states plus D.C. and four territories use Common Core or very similar standards. Texas, Virginia, Alaska, Oklahoma, and Nebraska use different state-specific standards.

Why was Common Core created?

Common Core was developed to ensure all students, regardless of where they live, graduate high school prepared for college and careers. It provides consistent, clear standards so families moving between states find similar expectations.

When are Common Core tests administered?

Most Common Core-aligned assessments are given in spring (March-May) each year. Specific dates vary by state and district. Tests are typically given to students in grades 3-8 and selected high school grades.

Are Common Core tests timed?

Tests vary by state. Smarter Balanced assessments are untimed - students work at their own pace. Other state tests may have time limits. Check with your state's assessment.

How long does each test take?

Varies by grade and subject. Generally, each subject (ELA or Math) takes 3-4.5 hours, administered over multiple days or sessions. Students do NOT sit for the entire time at once.

Do Common Core test scores affect grades?

Usually no - standardized test scores typically do not affect report card grades. However, they may impact promotion decisions, graduation requirements, or placement in some states. Check local policies.

Can students opt out of Common Core tests?

Policies vary by state. Some states allow opt-outs while others require participation. Check your state's education department website for specific opt-out policies and procedures.

When are results released?

Test results are typically released 2-3 months after testing, usually in late summer or early fall. Schools communicate results to families through reports and parent conferences.