In October 2015, President Obama announced an initiative to balance the use of assessments in schools. Done well and thoughtfully, assessments are tools for learning and promoting equity. They provide necessary information for educators, families, the public, and students themselves to measure progress and improve outcomes for all learners. Done poorly, in excess, or without clear purpose, assessments take valuable time away from teaching and learning, draining creative approaches from our classrooms. This session included a discussion of the President’s initiative and share existing tools and resources states and districts can use to evaluate their assessments, including key questions to guide your work. In addition, we will provide examples from states that are working to streamline their state and local assessment systems.
Webinar: Assessment Framework and Item Cluster Prototypes: New Tools to Support NGSS Large-Scale Assessment Development
On September 19, 2016, experts discussed the development of NGSS-aligned assessment items. This discussion also included information on how the SAIC has informed Washington’s development of a state science assessment aligned with NGSS. These resources include:
- Webinar Slide Deck
- Webinar Video
Webinar: Item Cluster Prototype for Assessment of the NGSS
On November 19, 2015, CCSSO and WestEd provided an in-depth preview of the Grade 5 Item Cluster Prototype. These resources include:
- Webinar Slide Deck
- Webinar Transcription
- Webinar Video
Alignment Considerations for Next Generation Science Standards Assessments
When seeking to ensure multidimensional item alignments, assessment developers must begin with the end in mind. Without constant and careful attention to alignment considerations, item alignment can weaken throughout the development process. This paper explores the challenges of developing multidimensional assessment items and offers a guiding framework that can help practitioners maintain focus on alignment throughout all stages of development.
Design and Development of Multidimensional Science Item Clusters
One of the most commonly used tools for NGSS-aligned assessment is the item cluster; where multiple dimensions of one or more performance expectations are tested via multiple items of different types. The design of item clusters involves numerous decisions that must be considered early in the development process. This paper examines these development considerations and offers sample item cluster procedural design criteria.
Addendum to the SAIC Assessment Framework
Based on SAIC members’ follow-up survey responses, this addendum to the SAIC Assessment Framework provides an overview of proposed adjustments to scope or content. A summary of the survey responses can also be found in the addendum.