Santa Clara – October 12, 2026 -- Smarter Balanced has appointed Dr. Karen Barton as Deputy Executive Director, effective October 12, 2026, adding a leader with more than two decades of assessment and learning experience to its senior team.
Barton to oversee major operational portfolios under Executive Director Tony Alpert
Barton will work closely with Executive Director Tony Alpert. Her remit covers major operational portfolios, coordination across teams, and the alignment of resources with the Consortium's strategic priorities and member needs.
Interview panels including member agency representatives backed her unanimously
Alpert said Barton earned unanimous support from the Consortium's multidisciplinary interview panels. The panels included representatives from member education agencies. He said she combines a student-centered focus with the skills needed to lead complex operations.
Barton's record spans AI scoring, assessment development and state partnerships
Barton has led teams in research and measurement, assessment development, human and AI scoring, and technology. Her work includes advancing assessment processes and platforms. She has also partnered with state education agencies to strengthen quality, governance, and public trust.
Barton, a former special education teacher, said she wants assessments to give every student a fair opportunity to show what they know and to give educators usable information. She said she will work with members and staff to deliver tools that help educators support each student's learning.