This post was written by Deb Sigman, Deputy Director, Assessment & Standards Development Services, at WestEd

On Wednesday, September 9, the California Department of Education is expected to release the results of the first official administration of the Smarter Balanced assessments.

Last school year, millions of students across California took the computer-based exams in English language arts and mathematics in grades 3 through 8 and grade 11. It is with much anticipation that teachers, students, parents, principals, superintendents, and policymakers await the results.

While some are expecting the worst, declaring that, yet again, education in California is in deep trouble, my perspective is far more optimistic and hopeful.

I suggest we remember that these assessments reflect performance on new sets of standards, reflecting knowledge and skills that students need for 21st century postsecondary success. The related exams also test student performance in new ways and ask students to think and apply their knowledge differently.

We shouldn’t expect the new tests to yield the same results as the old ones. If we do, we fail to seize an extraordinary opportunity to improve teaching and learning in our schools. The assessments are meant to be challenging and different; they are meant to tap into deep learning and critical thinking skills.

Embracing these results, whatever they are, and responding with increased dialogue, collaboration, and courage is what will allow our students and teaching workforce to be better prepared for the future.

I look forward to these results – having information can be productive and powerful, if used in the right way. Let’s make sure we respond appropriately. The worst thing we can do is ignore what the data tell us or use them to argue for a return to old ways. The best we can do – what we owe our students and teachers – is to use the results as a baseline for moving forward, as a call to continuing action to improve teaching and learning.

Let’s not squander this opportunity.

Update 9/10/15: See EdSource’s compilation of results here.