about the program

Known for creating rigorous and efficient assessment systems that are valid, fair, and aligned with standards, WestEd's Assessment & Standards Development Services (ASDS) also provides state and national policy guidance.

ASDS develops assessments for both general education and special populations; conducts alignment studies, standards reviews, and other research; and provides technical assistance on assessment and accountability issues.

Some of the work of ASDS is aimed at revealing how well students or workers are learning or performing. Other parts of our work address broader concerns of accountability and program or school success. From language arts, mathematics, science, and social science to emerging fields, our wide range of projects and services spans many domains.

ASDS is the Project Management Partner for the multi-state SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium (SMARTER Balanced) — the first collaboration of its kind to develop a common assessment system among a majority of states. WestEd's four-year, $16.3 million contract includes project planning, documentation, governance support, budget monitoring, and communications.

As lead agency of the national Assessment and Accountability Comprehensive Center, ASDS has particular expertise in assessments for underserved student populations, including English learners and students with disabilities.