Frequently Asked Questions
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Check the Calendar page for the most up-to-date information about upcoming educator events. Most events will be fully virtual, between 3-5 days, and require no asynchronous work.
Smarter Balanced and the contractor will select educators to attend the meetings from across all Smarter Balanced members based on recommendations from each member's TIC. The selection of educators will aim to represent a balance of geographic region, grade levels, years of experience, diversity, and other provided information.
Recruitment for these meetings will occur across all Smarter Balanced members. Selected participants and alternates are expected to receive notification regarding their status of participation starting about two months prior to a scheduled event, and last up until the week before the event. The notification and invitations will come via email from the Math and ELA contractors.
Virtual meetings are expected to occur on Zoom or similar virtual meeting software.
In-person potential meeting locations are to-be-determined.
Depending on state policy, substitute reimbursements will be available if educators work during the week on scheduled work days. For work on the weekends or over the summer, educators will be paid a personal stipend as outlined in the invitation letter.
The workday is approximately 6-8 hours, with morning, afternoon and lunch breaks during meetings.
Participants work in groups by grades or claims and content areas. The process begins with an orientation and training. Educators will complete much of the work as a group, but participants will spend some time reviewing or processing information independently.
Only educators who currently hold a position within an educational institution and meet the requirements described above are eligible to participate. Participation in these meetings also serves as a professional development opportunity for current school and district employees.
Participant applications are not a commitment by the educator to attend specific meetings, nor a guarantee that the participant will be recommended by K12 Lead/TIC, or invited by Smarter. Participant applications are an expression of interest in the work. Educators are encouraged to apply even if they aren’t sure they could attend the meeting.