KSDE STEM - Science Program Manager: Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov
KSDE STEM - Science Program Manager: Stephanie Alderman-Oler, stephanie.alderman-oler@ksde.gov
A Balanced Assessment System refers to a collection of varying types of assessments that provide feedback regarding instruction and student learning. It utilizes assessment as a measure for learning and of learning. Within the Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) we provide three types of assessments for science -- a summative (required), interims (optional), and mini-tests (optional).
Additional information about the KAP can be found at ksassessments.org
A balanced assessment system should also include quality classroom based assessments for both formative feedback and unit-level summative feedback.
Overview: The Science Summative Assessment is administered in 5th grade (5th grade standards), 8th grade (all MS standards), and 11th grade (all HS standards).
While not every standard appears on the test, any standard is a possible target for assessment. There are no “major” or “priority” standards in science—all standards are equally important.
The KAP Science Summative Assessment is taken over two testing sessions. There is no time limit, but approximately 45 minutes per session is recommended.
The 2025 KAP Science Summative Assessment was revised to more accurately measure student performance on the standards.
Key revisions include:
A stronger focus on making sense of phenomena — questions are anchored in phenomena and supported by charts, graphs, data, maps, or other contextual information.
Equal emphasis on two dimensions of the standards — questions and reports are designed to reflect both Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) and Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs).
More technology-enhanced items, such as drag-and-drop, dropdown menus, and matching formats.
Note: Text-to-speech is a universal accommodation for the science test.
What does the data tell us: Overall rates of proficiency, Broad categories based on standards groupings, comparisons to the state average
What does the data NOT tell us:
A raw score, % correct
Specific skills or concepts individual students have mastered or missed.
The impact of a specific unit, teacher, or instructional practice
External factors influencing test performance.
How can you use the data:
Identify system-level strengths and gaps
Inform strategic planning, curriculum adoption, or professional learning priorities.
Compare cohort performance over 5, 8, and 11th grades
Make system level adjustments based on the data
More information on the summative: LINK
The data above is the state wide data shared with the State Board of Education in August and September 2025
Revised language to define what each level represents
Note: Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 describe the difficulty of the questions a student was able to answer correctly. Each question is assigned a difficulty level, and a student’s proficiency level is determined by the highest level of questions they are able to answer correctly.
Guide to making sense of Student Reports
What Happened?
To score the state assessment using the Bookmark Method, we must create a list of test questions ordered from easiest to most difficult, based on actual student performance.
For the 11th grade science assessment, student scores across individual questions were very similar—with only small differences in the percentage of students answering each item correctly and with all questions clustered at a low correct response rate. When we attempted to order the questions using this data, the results formed a cluster rather than a clear progression of difficulty.
Because of this clustering, we were unable to determine valid “bookmark” points on the question list, which are essential for setting performance levels and scoring student tests accurately.
Note: There were NO outlier districts within the data, scores from across the state were very similar.
Identifying the Problem
During the week of standard-setting for the other assessments, we brought together high school teachers from across the state to review the 11th grade test and help identify why the scores did not produce the expected spread.
During this week, teachers:
Took the test themselves to experience the questions firsthand
Compared each question to the corresponding standard and performance level descriptor
Discussed why students may not have scored well on certain items
Key Outcomes from the Discussion
Test items are well designed and standards-aligned: Teachers agreed the questions accurately reflected the expectations of the standards.
Gaps in opportunity to learn content: Not all students have been exposed to all standards by the end of 11th grade.
Gaps in opportunity to learn sensemaking: Many students have not experienced learning or assessment activities focused on making sense of phenomena, which limits performance on these types of questions.
Difficulty accessing test tools: It was challenging for students to locate necessary tools, such as the calculator and periodic table.
Cognitive load from technology-enhanced questions: Features like dropdowns, drag-and-drop, check boxes, and sorting added unnecessary complexity, increasing cognitive load beyond what is needed to assess the science content.
What about the 2026 Assessment?
Our current plan is to:
Reduce cognitive load on technology-enhanced questions to make them more accessible
Revise a few questions for clarity and stronger alignment to the standards
Field test new items to support a wider spread of student responses
We plan to:
Administer a slightly revised 11th grade test in Spring 2026
Complete standard setting in Summer 2026
Release 11th grade science scores in Fall 2026
Note: We are continuing to work closely with our Assessment Advisory Councils and assessment test developer to finalize plans for the 2026 11th grade science assessment and it is possible there will be changes to these current plans.
How do We Address the Root Cause of the Assessment Results?
Immediate / Short-Term Actions
Use high school mini-test items in Kite: Mini-test items can be used in grades 9–12 as long as educators have a login and students have been rostered.
Note: These items were developed by the Delaware assessment team and may differ slightly in format from Kansas assessments.
Purpose: Provides teachers with ready-to-use assessments to identify gaps in learning and target instruction right away.
Instructional Practices
Ensure that student learning includes SEPs at the level of expectation outlined in the NGSS.
Anchor learning in making sense of phenomena through the SEPs, DCIs, and CCCs.
Develop and use assessments that engage students in making sense of phenomena, including reading about a phenomenon and applying SEPs to interpret and analyze the information provided.
Utilize the KS Unpacked Science Standards to support alignment of instruction to the expectations of the standards.
Purpose: Supports consistent instructional practices that build student proficiency over time and strengthen learning aligned to NGSS.
System-Level Actions
Conduct a system-level standards alignment audit:
Identify which high school courses most students take and ensure alignment to NGSS, providing access to Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth/Space Science.
Examine all course “pathways” that lead to the three required graduation science credits and ensure students in each pathway have access to standards across all domains.
Review how students select and schedule science courses. Are students completing three science credits before the 11th grade assessment?
Note: Additional guidance on conducting a high school system-level standards alignment audit is currently being developed.
Purpose: Ensures that students have equitable access to science learning opportunities across all domains, creating long-term improvements in readiness for the 11th grade assessment.
Example student report from KAP Interim Assessment
Overview: The interim is an optional state test that is administered for 5th grade and 8th grade twice a year in a Fall testing Window and a Winter testing Window. Each window assesses a different group of standards. The questions have been reviewed to be standards aligned and are in a similar format to the state summative assessment.
To see which standards are tested in the fall and the winter, see this link.
What does the data tell us: The interim test can provide reports based on questions or reports by students. The interim report can provide data comparisons with state-wide data (for the districts that participated in the interim). The interim report provides a raw score as well as scores for each sub-score category.
What does the data NOT tell us:
Predictive scoring of the state assessment.
The impact of a specific unit, teacher, or instructional practice
External factors influencing test performance.
How can you use the data:
If all assessed content has already been taught: Use the data to identify areas where students may need review, reinforcement, or intervention.
If some content has not yet been taught: Use results to identify areas of prior knowledge where students may need less instructional time or can move more quickly.
More information on interims: LINK
In order to give the KAP mini-tests, reach out to your District Testing Coordinator to get a Kite Educator Portal Login and ensure your students have been rostered to you!
Overview: Mini-tests are short assessments designed for teachers to use throughout the year. Each mini-test includes 2–8 questions, aligned to 1–2 standards, and is built around a phenomenon to support sensemaking.
These questions went through a development and review process similar to the interim and summative assessments. They were created specifically for the mini-tests (not reused or rejected items) and have been reviewed for standards alignment.
Mini-tests are not secured items*, meaning teachers can project, print, or discuss them with students. This flexibility allows for use as:
Classroom or unit summative assessments
Formative assessments
Bell work or practice tasks
Tools to build reading and sensemaking skills
To access the KAP mini-tests, teachers must have a KITE Educator Portal login.
To access the mini-tests, please log into Kite Educator Portal and select "build or copy a test". If you don’t have a login, please contact your building or district test coordinator to get set up. The district test coordinator must also send a TASC record to roster students in Kite and assign mini-tests.
Link to list of available mini-tests for science.
What does the data tell us:
Student proficiency on a specific standard (at the time of the mini-test).
Trends in student responses on each question
Student ability to transfer learning to a new phenomenon
What does the data NOT tell us:
Specific breakdowns of Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) or Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs) — feedback is at the standard level only
Proficiency related to Crosscutting Concepts
Full context of students’ prior knowledge, misconceptions, or sensemaking processes
How can you use the data:
Identify patterns or trends within a class or group of students
Inform instructional decisions and guide interventions
Compare data across classrooms, schools, or the district as a common assessment
*These items are not secured items, but also are not released items. This means that Kite Mini-Test items should NOT be integrated into other testing platforms. Please reach out if you have questions or need support in getting an educator log in or students rostered in Kite.
More information on mini-tests: LINK
Performance level descriptors are developed as part of our assessment design process. For each assessed standard, we write a description of what student performance could look like at level 2 (basic), level 3 (proficient), and level 4 (advanced). These descriptors are used to rate the questions, not the students.
When students receive a score of 1, 2, 3, or 4 on the state assessment, that score shows the highest level of questions the student was able to answer correctly.
In science, the level 3 (proficient) descriptor always represents the standard as it is written. A student who can meet the expectation of the standard is considered proficient.
The level 2 (basic) and level 4 (advanced) descriptors provide examples of what performance at those levels could look like, but they are not the only possible ways to demonstrate that level of understanding.
There is no level 1 (limited) performance level descriptor because level 1 represents a lack of evidence showing a basic level of performance.
These cohorts are designed to support school and district leadership who support science teachers
Science Instructional Materials Selection Cohort
These professional learning sessions will equip leaders with the tools and strategies to select new science instructional materials aligned to a shared vision of quality instruction, guided by KSDE’s Instructional Materials Selection Guidance for Science. We encourage you to attend with your selection committee, when possible.
The focus of this cohort will be middle school science, but we welcome any district adopting resources k-12 in the near future.
Dates & Times:
Most sessions will occur virtually, with one in-person meeting in November. The sessions will not be recorded.
The in-person session will provide participants with the opportunity to experience example lessons from 2–3 resources currently used in Kansas and aligned with the state science standards. This session is currently scheduled for November 20 in Hays, KS, but we are taking feedback on possible alternative dates.
Session 1: Developing a Lens for Science Materials Selection Virtual, November 3 9:30am-10:30am
Session 2: Developing a Shared Vision for Quality Science Materials In Person- Hays, KS, November 20 9:30am-3:30pm
Session 3: Knowing and Narrowing IM Choices Virtual, December 8 9:30am-10:30am
Session 4: Lessons Learned and Making a Selection Virtual, January 19 9:30am-10:30am
Session 5: Planning for Implementation Virtual, February 23 9:30am-10:30am
Registration:
To register, submit this form by October 27, 2025.
If attending as part of a team, each member should submit a separate form.
Feel free to share this opportunity with others who may be interested in learning more about the instructional materials selection process.
OpenSciEd Implementation Support Cohort
KSDE is hosting a professional learning network to support districts implementing OpenSciEd. This network will help leaders build the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to support effective implementation and quality science instruction. While the focus will be on middle school resources, all K–12 OpenSciEd districts are welcome.
Participants should include district and school leaders supporting implementation (e.g., curriculum directors, principals, coaches, or lead teachers). Each district is welcome to bring a team of those who support implementation.
Dates & Times:
Most sessions will occur virtually, with one in-person meeting in November. The sessions will not be recorded. We will establish the dates for the virtual meetings during the November 20th in-person meeting..
Session 1: Developing a Shared Vision for Effective Implementation In Person - Hays, November 20 9:30am-3:30pm
Session 2: Understanding the Model of Instruction Virtual, 1 hour, TBD date in December
Session 3: Supporting Unit and Lesson Internalization In Person - Topeka, January 29 9:30am-3:30pm
Session 4: Monitoring Implementation Virtual, 1 hour, TBD date in February
Session 5: Leveraging OpenSciEd to support School Improvement Virtual, 1 hour, TBD date in March
Registration:
To register, submit this form by October 27, 2025.
If attending as part of a team, each member should submit a separate form.
Feel free to share this opportunity with others who may be interested in learning more about the instructional materials selection process.
Standards Alignment Professional Learning
This fall we are offering SCIENCE professional development opportunities all across the state!
COST: FREE
College credit available
The PD at each location will be similar content, but may be structured differently -- some locations will be grade specific, others will be k-12. Find the location and model that works best for you!
Quality Instruction Professional Learning
This fall we are offering SCIENCE professional development opportunities all across the state!
COST: FREE
College credit available
The PD at each location will be similar content, but may be structured differently -- some locations will be grade specific, others will be k-12. Find the location and model that works best for you!
Virtual Collaboration and Support Options
This group will meet the second Wednesday every month of the school year. Please join us when you can!
November Topic:
Adapting and Advancing: Supporting All Learners Through 3D Science
We’ll discuss practical approaches to differentiating science instruction and share ideas for sustaining momentum during the busy Thanksgiving stretch. Participants will identify actionable strategies to enhance three-dimensional learning in their classrooms
LINK to register
This can be a great opportunity for IDP points!
This virtual learning will include the opportunity to meet teachers from across the state, bite-sized learning about a focus topic, and collaboration to share ideas and problem solve.
November
Learning Topic: Tools to support quality science instruction
Collaboration: How do you bring the vision to life in your classroom?
LINK to register
This can be a great opportunity for IDP points!
Join us for monthly updates from KSDE Science. Each month we will have a topic of focus, general updates, and an opportunity to bring your questions or challenges!
October
KS Vision for Quality Science Instruction
LINK to register
Collaboration and Support Across Kansas
Some ways we can collaborate...
Facilitating professional development
Co-planning for professional development
Making sense of the science standards
Analyzing for standards alignment
Quality Instructional materials conversations
Supporting implementation of storyline routines
Assessment Data Talks
Science PLC support
**NOTE: PD and Collaboration with KSDE is at NO COST to districts!
KSDE Science Collaboration
Click through on the map to see where and how KSDE science is collaborating with schools and school systems across the state!
2025-2026 2024-2025
Let’s connect and collaborate!
Frequent PD Topics
Overview of the 4 Fundamentals in Science
Analyzing a unit of instruction for 4 Fundamentals
Making sense of the science standards
Vertical Alignment
Exploring the vision for quality instruction
How to make the most of KAP mini-tests
Quality 3-dimensional science assessments
OpenSciEd PD
Supporting student sensemaking
Engaging the Science and Engineering Practices
Phenomena-based instruction
Productive Talk in the science classroom
These are the elements of effective education that KSDE is prioritizing in our work and in the school improvement model. Under each fundamental you will find additional information and links to the KSDE Resources that support these fundamentals in science classrooms.
Standards-Alignment has clearly defined student learning expectations aligned to Kansas State Standards and supported with evidence-based instruction and materials .
Standards Alignment Toolkit
Coming soon -- unpacked standards tools for middle school & elementary
Recommended Bundles for scope and sequence:
KSDE Fact Sheet for Prioritization of Standards
Quality Instruction refers to implementation of evidence-based lesson design that reflects high expectations, meaningful student engagement, and learning activities aligned to the Kansas State Standards. A data-driven system of differentiated supports is necessary to help each student meet rigorous state standards.
KSDE Vision for Quality Science Instruction
DRAFT -- Observation Tool for Quality Science Instruction
KSDE Science Instructional Materials Selection Guidance
KSDE Instructional Materials Implementation Guidance
2023 Science Instructional Materials Evaluation Tool
A Balanced Assessment System refers to a collection of varying types of assessments that provide feedback regarding instruction and student learning. It utilizes assessment as a measure for learning and of learning.
Screener/Diagnostics
There is not a science-specific screener. We recommend using math and reading screeners to identify students who may need additional support in science.
KAP
The Kansas Assessment Program (KAP) develops and supports the state summative assessment, the interim assessments in the fall and winter, and the mini-test item bank.
State Summative
Interims (Fall and Winter)
Mini-test item bank - Access on Kite Educator Portal
Classroom Based Assessments
Pre-assessment
Formative
informal
formal
Unit and/or Course summative
Structured Literacy refers to the explicit, systematic, diagnostic, and cumulative approach to teaching literacy that acknowledges the value of both word recognition and oral and written language comprehension as evidenced in all grades and disciplines.
2024 KSDE Science Safety Guidance
2024 KSDE Science Constructive Coaching Tool (observations/walkthrough tool)
Kansas KidWind Teacher Workshops
The KidWind Challenge, which officially kicked off in 2009, is an annual event that allows students to explore the power of wind by building and testing wind turbines and then competing against other teams in their age division (4th-5th, 6th-8th, or 9th-12th). Check out the flyer for the event and watch our 3-minute overview video to see what the competition is like.
There is no cost for Kansas educators to attend these workshops! The workshop includes mileage reimbursement, substitute teacher stipend, lunch, and a wind turbine kit for your classroom! More information and registration links: https://kansasenergyprogram.org/educators/kidwind-challenge/upcoming-events
Manhattan - October 13
Kansas City, KS - October 16
Southwest Kansas - October 28
KACEE:
Kansas Environmental Education Conference- Nov 3-4 in Topeka, KS
Explore how the rise of technology and social media use is contributing to growing anxiety and reduced resilience in today’s students—and discover how nature and outdoor learning can provide a powerful antidote. Join fellow educators to spark fresh ideas, share inspiration, and bring the benefits of environmental education into your teaching.
Water in Our Community Online eeCredential (Oct 6 - Dec 10)
Explore how water connects all subject areas, community issues and classroom learning opportunities in this flexible, hands-on online course for K-12 educators. Scholarships available and comes with $150 in curriculum guides. (1 hour of graduate credit available)
Be the Change Online eeCredential (Oct 6 - Dec 10)
Discover practical leadership strategies to engage your students in hands-on investigations that spark real projects for a more sustainable school and community. This sponsored course is free and comes with $150 in curriculum guides. (1 hour of graduate credit available)
Explore All Professional Learning Opportunities HERE.
NSTA eCYBERMISSION STEM Competition
eCYBERMISSION is a free, virtual STEM competition for 6th to 9th grade students that promotes teamwork, self-discovery, and real-life applications of STEM. Students work in teams of 2-4, led by an adult Team Advisor, and select a problem in their community to explore with science or solve with engineering.
How it works: Create a 2-4 person team, choose a community problem, select the science or engineering path, work together, submit your project
Learn more at www.ecybermission.com
OpenSciEd Elementary Units Released
K - Sun Energy
K - Weather
K- Force and Motion (NEW)
1 - Light Waves
1- Sound Waves
1 - Space & Sky Patterns (NEW)
2 - Habitats & Biodiversity (NEW)
3 - Forces & Interactions
3 - Trait Variations (NEW)
Kansas KidWind Teacher Workshops
The KidWind Challenge, which officially kicked off in 2009, is an annual event that allows students to explore the power of wind by building and testing wind turbines and then competing against other teams in their age division (4th-5th, 6th-8th, or 9th-12th). Check out the flyer for the event and watch our 3-minute overview video to see what the competition is like.
KACEE:
Kansas Environmental Education Conference- Nov 3-4 in Topeka, KS
Explore how the rise of technology and social media use is contributing to growing anxiety and reduced resilience in today’s students—and discover how nature and outdoor learning can provide a powerful antidote. Join fellow educators to spark fresh ideas, share inspiration, and bring the benefits of environmental education into your teaching.
Water in Our Community Online eeCredential (Oct 6 - Dec 10)
Explore how water connects all subject areas, community issues and classroom learning opportunities in this flexible, hands-on online course for K-12 educators. Scholarships available and comes with $150 in curriculum guides. (1 hour of graduate credit available)
Be the Change Online eeCredential (Oct 6 - Dec 10)
Discover practical leadership strategies to engage your students in hands-on investigations that spark real projects for a more sustainable school and community. This sponsored course is free and comes with $150 in curriculum guides. (1 hour of graduate credit available)
Explore All Professional Learning Opportunities HERE.
Genetic Science Learning Center (GSLC) at University of Utah
We’re currently seeking middle school teachers in Kansas to participate in this study. We’d love your guidance on the best way to connect with districts and educators in your state. In previous studies, science newsletters have been especially helpful in reaching interested teachers, and we’d be grateful for any suggestions or opportunities you might recommend.
To learn more about this study, please visit: https://teach.genetics.utah.edu/research/
NASA
NASA TechRise Student Challenge is a FREE NASA challenge for middle and high schools. The challenge opens this September and invites student teams in sixth-12th grade to submit experiment ideas to fly on a commercial space industry suborbital flight (e.g., rocket, high-altitude balloon).
The challenge includes information sessions for your department or organization upon request, free educational resources to foster classroom learning and an exciting student virtual field trip in the fall. Sixty winning teams will also receive $1500 to build their experiment, a spot to test it on a NASA-sponsored flight, and technical support from our awesome NASA TechRise advisors. The challenge is a great way to get hands-on with a NASA project this school year, and we encourage teams of all skill levels to apply. Updated challenge resources (including videos, slide decks, and educator pacing guides) can all be found on the challenge website HERE when the challenge opens.
NSTA eCYBERMISSION STEM Competition
eCYBERMISSION is a free, virtual STEM competition for 6th to 9th grade students that promotes teamwork, self-discovery, and real-life applications of STEM. Students work in teams of 2-4, led by an adult Team Advisor, and select a problem in their community to explore with science or solve with engineering.
How it works: Create a 2-4 person team, choose a community problem, select the science or engineering path, work together, submit your project
Learn more at www.ecybermission.com