Center for Standards, Assessment, and Accountability

Grade Level: Middle School (6-8)

Models and Modeling: An Introduction

This paper describes how modeling works in concert with all the other science practices in the classroom to promote students’ reasoning and understanding of core science ideas. Modeling usually works in tandem with another practice explanation. These two practices are at the heart of disciplinary work.

Professional Development for Science Teachers

This resource is an article in the April 2013 issue of Science. It is available through subscription (personal or library). The author offers an overview of the call for improving science education in the United States, and the role that the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) play in accomplishing this endeavor, through the critical lens […]

Proficiency in Science: Assessment Challenges and Opportunities

As part of a Science magazine special issue on grand challenges in science education, the author provides an overview of the promise for the future of science learning with the release of the NGSS, and of the challenges associated with achieving the full vision of the NGSS. The paper focuses on the implications of assessment […]

Standards for the 21st-Century Learner

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) developed Standards for the 21st-Century Learner to guide school library curricula and programs. The document presents nine common beliefs about learning, information, and access (e.g., “The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable them to learn on their own.” [p. 3]). The standards are organized into […]

Strategies for Communicating Results: Using the Change to Common Core Linked Assessments

From the Producer: “In this online webinar, REL Mid-Atlantic, Division H of the American Educational Research Association, and REL Northwest teamed up for a presentation and discussion of strategies that states and districts can use to communicate with the public about the new assessments linked to the Common Core.” The main speaker, Joshua Thomases, Dean at […]

ALDN Constructive Conversation Skills Poster

This resource is a graphic organizer showing four important conversation skills (create, clarify, support, and evaluate and compare) and sentence starters to help students engage in purposeful and extended interactions.