IAB Use 2 - Using IABs as an Instructional Activity

Oct 3, 2026

Uploaded by moss~

Professional Learning Resource focused on using Smarter Balanced Interim Assessment Blocks (IABs) as an instructional activity. It explains how educators and PLC participants can plan implementation, adapt the approach to selected student groups, and use collaborative “Think-Pair-Share” routines while students respond individually in the testing portal. The resource links IAB results to immediate feedback, instructional adjustments, and clear next steps, using strategies such as Stars and Stairs for reflection and follow-up.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Overview

Learning Goal and Success Criteria

Step By Step

Clarify Intended Learning

Presentation and Discussion

Wrap Up and Follow Up

Formative Assessment Strategies

Think-Pair-Share

Stars and Stairs

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING RESOURCE IAB Use 2: Using IABs asan Instructional Activity [https://www.smartertoolsforteachers.org/resource/245](https://www.smartertoolsforteachers.org/resource/245)[ ](https://www.smartertoolsforteachers.org/resource/245)Smarter Balanced Updated Nov 12, 2020 Professional Learning Overview Description This professional learning resource series is designed to introduce participants to the diàerent uses for Smarter Balanced Interim Assessment Blocks (IABs) . These PLC resources are designed to provide educators with a more detailed understanding of student learning throughout the year. IABs are intended to provide educators and students the ability to check where they are at that moment in time, and educators can use the results to determine next steps for instruction. In Use 2, you will learn how to use an IAB as an Instructional Activity “Together” so students work collaboratively and respond individually in the testing portal. Participants will view the presentation with their PLC and use the IAB Use 2 : Planning Guide to discuss IAB implementation and how it can be modiÕed to best Õt the needs of the selected group of students. Resources in the series: 1. IAB Use Introduction: Using IABs to Support Student Learning 1. IAB Use 1 : Using Individual IAB Items with Students 2. IAB Use 2 : Using IABs as an Instructional Activity 3. IAB Use 3 : Using Standardized IABs as a Learning Check 4. IAB Use 4 : Using IABs as a Tool to Support Student Mastery Learning Goal Participants will gain tips and ideas to intentionally use interim assessment blocks to gather and act on information about student learning. Success Criteria © 2021 The Regents of the University of California Participants understand how to use an interim assessment block in one or more ways to gather and act on information about student learning. Participants can reÖect on the process of using interims to gather information about student learning to inform instruction. Participants understand how to implement next steps to move student learning forward. Step By Step 1. Clarify Intended Learning Share the learning goal and success criteria with the participants. Ask the participants what questions they have about the learning goal and success criteria. 2. Presentation Pass out the IAB Use 2 : Planning Guide to each participant. Give the participants a few minutes to familiarize themselves with the guide and to read the questions Present IAB Use 2 : Instructional Activity Presentation to the PLC(s) using the IAB Use 2 : Presenter Notes as your guide. 3. Discussion Using Think-Pair-Share, as you present, give participants time to answer questions on slides 5, 10, 12 and 20. Give each participant 2-5 minutes to quietly Õnish responding to the questions before discussi as a PLC. Have PLCs turn to their group. Give participants 1–2 minutes to discuss their answers with their PLCs (i.e., each participant should hav 1-2 minutes to share) . 1. First, one partner speaks. 2. Then, the other partner speaks. 3. Continue until each participant in the PLC has been given time to speak. Facilitate a follow-up discussion by prompting educators to share their “aha’s” or “new learning.” 4. Wrap Up Using Think-Pair-Share, as you present, give participants time to answer questions on slides 5, 10, 12 and 20. Give each participant 2-5 minutes to quietly Õnish responding to the questions before discussi as a PLC. Have PLCs turn to their group. Give participants 1–2 minutes to discuss their answers with their PLCs (i.e., each participant should hav 1-2 minutes to share) . 1. First, one partner speaks. 2. Then, the other partner speaks. 3. Continue until each participant in the PLC has been given time to speak. Facilitate a follow-up discussion by prompting educators to share their “aha’s” or “new learning.” © 2021 The Regents of the University of California 5. Fo

FAQs

What is the learning purpose of IAB Use 2?

The goal is to help participants intentionally use interim assessment blocks to gather and act on information about student learning, then use results to guide next steps for instruction.

How should educators structure the activity so students work together but respond individually?

Participants plan together and use “Think-Pair-Share” during the presentation while students respond individually in the testing portal, with PLC discussion supporting implementation decisions.

Which reflection and feedback strategy is recommended for follow-up?

The resource recommends using Stars and Stairs to discuss what went well and the next steps needed to move the process forward, optionally supported by IAB Use 2 survey questions.

Oct 3, 2026

Uploaded by moss~