Module 2

module 1 - Foundations of NGSS Assessment

Module 2 - Foundations of NGSS Assessment introduces and provides time for participants to use various tools and processes to build a foundational understanding of NGSS assessment and equitable assessment systems. They build a vision for equitable science assessment in their classroom and begin to analyze and evaluate available assessment tasks against that vision.

Module 2 consists of four sessions:

Session 2.1 - A Vision for Classroom Assessment and Performance
Session 2.2 - Develop 3D Learning Goals and Assessment Claims through the Unpacking Process
Session 2.3 - The Role of Phenomena and Sensemaking in Instruction and Assessment
Session 2.4 - Tools for Analyzing and Evaluating Assessment Tasks

Use the navigation below to access the module and session materials and resources, including handouts, presentation slides, facilitator guides, and technology tools.

Module 2 Resources

Module 2 Materials

Technology Tools

Module Handouts

Module Resources

Session 2.1 - A Vision for Classroom Assessment and Performance

Session Description

In this session, participants analyze several assessment tasks to begin constructing a set of criteria for evaluating them. They then consider student performance as a system of short cycle, medium cycle, and long cycle assessment opportunities that have different purposes and uses while providing different information to different stakeholders. A vision for equitable student performance and assessment is then considered using a set of non-negotiables (constants) and variables (knobs). Participants develop a chart of the knobs and constants for their assessment system and discuss what is communicated to students through this system

Session Goals

Understand the opportunities and challenges of building a science assessment system that is equitable for all students.
Understand how science assessment occurs across a continuum and the vital role teachers play in building a coherent system of assessment.
Understand how the non-negotiables and variables in a 3D assessment system help establish and drive a vision for student learning and performance.

Session Resources

Session 2.2 - Develop 3D Learning Goals and Assessment Claims through the Unpacking Process

Session Description

In this session, participants consider the sophistication of the dimensions as they analyze an assessment task. They are introduced to the process of unpacking by reviewing a DCI and using the unpacked dimension to re-analyze the same assessment task. Participants then have a chance to choose a DCI and engage in the process of unpacking. They then consider an example of three unpacked dimensions and use them to build a 3D learning/assessment target.

Session Goals

Understand how to unpack the dimensions of NGSS to clearly define grade-level expectations for what ideas and skills students are expected to use.
Understand how to write 3D learning and assessment targets that describe the knowledge-in-use that students need to demonstrate.

Session Resources

Session 2.3 - The Role of Phenomena and Sensemaking in Instruction and Assessment

Session Description

In this session, participants organize cards with different information to determine which of them can be considered phenomena. They brainstorm possible phenomena for the Disciplinary Core Idea they unpacked in the previous session and use an established set of criteria to determine the usefulness of a phenomenon under consideration. Participants then unpack a Science and Engineering Practice or Crosscutting Concept and use this information to write a gapless student explanation of the phenomenon. Finally, they construct a 3D learning or assessment target using the unpacked dimensions and phenomenon.

Session Goals

Understand how to brainstorm and select useful phenomena and problems for instruction and assessment.
Understand how to use the unpacked dimensions to write a gapless student explanation of a phenomenon.
Understand how to incorporate phenomenon into 3D learning and assessment targets.

Session Resources

Session 2.4 - Tools for Analyzing and Evaluating Assessment Tasks

Session Description

In this session, participants use several tools to analyze and evaluate assessment tasks to determine their usefulness based on a set of criteria. They first use a prescreen tool to determine quickly whether a task warrants further review or not. Then participants use one of two evaluation tools to do a more in-depth analysis of an assessment task. Through small group and whole group discussions, they reflect on the usefulness of these evaluation tools when looking at assessment tasks.

Session Goals

Learn about the tools that exist to support educators in analyzing and evaluating assessments.
Understand how to analyze assessment tasks using an agreed upon set of criteria.

Session Resources

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Module 2

module 1 - Foundations of NGSS Assessment

Module 2 Resources

Module 2 Materials

Session 2.1 - A Vision for Classroom Assessment and Performance

Session 2.2 - Develop 3D Learning Goals and Assessment Claims through the Unpacking Process

Session 2.3 - The Role of Phenomena and Sensemaking in Instruction and Assessment

Session 2.4 - Tools for Analyzing and Evaluating Assessment Tasks