Center for Standards, Assessment, and Accountability

Keyword: Standards

Science Assessment Item Collaborative Grade 5 and Grade 12 Item Cluster Prototypes

The Grade 5 and Grade 12 Item Cluster Prototypes follow the principles and recommendations set forth in the SAIC Assessment Framework and Item Specifications Guidelines for an NGSS-aligned large-scale summative assessment item cluster. The prototypes serve as initial models for measuring the three-dimensional science learning called for in the NGSS and should promote ongoing dialogue […]

Science Assessment Item Collaborative Item Specifications Guidelines

The SAIC developed the Item Specifications Guidelines as a companion document to the Assessment Framework. The document provides a methodical and practical guide for the development of Item Specifications for the assessment of the NGSS. It discusses issues pertinent to assessment development and provides a road map for the development of clear, comprehensive specifications for […]

Science Assessment Item Collaborative Assessment Framework

The Assessment Framework provides a range of options and accompanying rationales for the development of NGSS-aligned items and summative assessments. It includes the overall test design, description of an aligned test item cluster as the foundational unit of an NGSS-aligned assessment, specifications for various types of test items, and accessibility principles.

Treating Common-Core Syndrome

This article provides the author’s perspective and recommendations on how to assure that the Common Core State Standards become a long-term support to improved teaching and learning rather than falling by the wayside as have so many previous education reform movements.

The Progression of Reading Comprehension

A high level of reading comprehension is necessary for school and career success. This paper explains four key constructs, how they are intertwined, and their roles in reading comprehension. The four constructs are: Developing and maintaining a standard for coherence for evaluating our models of meaning Employing cognitive strategies to repair comprehension when it breaks […]