Center for Standards, Assessment, and Accountability

Subject Area: Science

Quality Performance Assessment Framework

The Quality Performance Assessment (QPA) framework was developed to help teachers and school leaders create a system of local assessments that works for their classroom contexts. The organization defines QPAs as “multi-step assignments with clear criteria, expectations, and processes that measure how well a student transfers knowledge and applies complex skills to create or refine […]

Making the Grade: A 50-State Analysis of School Accountability Systems

This publication includes: an historical overview of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act; a review of the requirements of the 2015 Every Student Succeeds Act; a summary of the difference types of accountability systems used by states; and specific information about different state accountability systems. The authors conclude with a number of recommendations for states as they further […]

Creativity at the Core Education Modules

Creativity at the Core is a California statewide initiative that provides professional learning modules focused on many key topics that support arts learning and Common Core Standards. The modules are free and hosted by the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association Statewide Arts Initiative. There are 17 modules, and each module includes videos and downloadable […]

Professional Learning Modules for the Common Core State Standards – Literacy in Science

The California Department of Education, in partnership with the California Science Project, WestEd/K-12 Alliance, the Orange County Office of Education, and the Riverside County Office of Education, has developed a series of professional learning modules focused on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The resource discussed in this review is specifically focused on “Literacy in […]

Professional Learning Modules for the Common Core State Standards: Assessment Literacy

As part of its Common Core State Standards (CCSS) professional learning module series, the California Department of Education, in collaboration with the San Joaquin Valley County Office of Education, has developed an online module focused on the topic of assessment literacy. The resource is designed to provide educators with knowledge and understanding that supports their […]

Snapshot Collection of the English Language Arts/English Language Development Framework for California Public Schools Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve

The Snapshot Collection includes practical examples to support educators’ understanding of how to integrate ELA and discipline-specific literacy demands and provide support to students with language development needs. The snapshots are short illustrations of classroom practices (see the Vignettes in the Related Resources section below which provide more detailed examples of lessons). The snapshots are organized by […]