Purpose

This tool illustrates the trajectory of a student who meets his or her annual growth expectation as outlined in Connecticut’s Smarter Balanced Growth Model. It answers questions like: “If a student earns a Grade 3 Smarter Balanced ELA score of 2350 and meets all growth targets in future years, how will the student’s achievement change across Grades 4 through 8?”

Select a subject, a starting grade, enter a valid scale score, choose a multiplier (expected % of target achieved), then select Calculate.

Inputs

All fields are required. Multiplier must be between 0 and 150 percent.

Choose ELA or Math.
Select the grade where the starting score applies.
Enter a whole number scale score; min/max adjust to the subject/grade range.
Expected percentage of target achieved (0–150%).

Results

Smarter Balanced Growth Trajectory chart
Stacked bars show achievement level low/high thresholds per grade. A maroon line with dots shows the student’s trajectory based on the starting score and multiplier.
Use the inputs above to update the trajectory. Open the data table for a screen‑reader friendly alternative.
View data table
This table mirrors the chart data and trajectory points. It updates when you change the subject or calculate a new trajectory.
Grade thresholds and trajectory points
Grade Trajectory Score Trajectory Level

Smarter Balanced ELA & Math Score Ranges

Reference tables by grade and category (sourced from the Smarter Balanced target lookup).

ELA Target Ranges
Grade Lvl 1 - Low Lvl 1 - High Lvl 2 - Low Lvl 2 - High Lvl 3 - Low Lvl 3 - High Lvl 4 - Low Lvl 4 - High

Tip: Click the tabs to switch between ELA and Math. On smaller screens, you can horizontally scroll the tables.