Embedded Files
Resources
Resources
Newsela
Newsela
Accessed through Canvas on the left sidebar; search text articles and current events, filter by standard, modify Lexile levels, and create assignments for students
Written with students in mind, founded on what science is, how science is learned, and the multiple dimensions of scientific work.
USBE instructional guide for teaching the SEEd standards; includes 3D formative assessment exemplars, vertical alignment, and vocabulary
Free download for grade level texts; based on phenomena, and formative assessments (Translations available)
Collections contain SEEd lessons, activities, and other resources from the eMedia library that have been evaluated and aligned by Utah science educators.
Assessment Guidance
Assessment Guidance
In addition to the lesson-based formative assessments, it is recommended that teachers administer at least one summative assessment at the conclusion of each unit of instruction as they finish teaching a SEEd standard or strand. It is recommended that teachers prioritize and administer USBE's Utah Core Standards Benchmarks. A Benchmark exists for every Biology SEEd standard. The expectation is that minimally students will take a Benchmark 3 times per year before the deep data dives and teachers will analyze the Benchmark data on the deep data dive days. This will provide valuable data for teachers and an opportunity for students to get comfortable with the Utah Core Standards Benchmarks system and question types in preparation for the end of year assessment.
When a Benchmark is not appropriate, it is recommended that teachers administer formative assessments from the USBE Science Core Guide: Biology, found for each standard under the Assessment Exemplar section.
For more detailed information about Utah Core Standards Benchmarks administration (including how to prepare the testing session and print student tickets), consult the Test Administration Manual on the Utah Core Standards Benchmarks website under the support menu in the links box.
If you would like district specialists to open a Utah Core Standards Benchmark for a CIA, please complete the Science CIA Aspire Plus Benchmark Prep Request form no later than noon on the Thursday before the testing window opens. Testing windows:
October 10-20
January 4-12
March 8-16
Steps to Preview the Utah Core Standards Benchmarks:
Log in to PearsonAccess.
Go to Benchmark 2022-23 admin in the top right black banner.
Select Utah Core Standards Benchmarks 2022.
From the left blue menu, click to expand Support.
Under Support in the left blue menu, click Documentation.
In the left menu you will see all the test categories. Hit clear and then click the content testlets you want to preview.
All versions will appear in the main middle screen. Click the standard form.
You will see a PDF of the questions that students will experience in a live, interactive testing session.
Collaborative Spaces and Sharing
Collaborative Spaces and Sharing
OSD Google Space
OSD Google Space
Connects content teachers to ask questions, trade resources, and share best practices.
Canvas Shared Sandboxes
Canvas Shared Sandboxes
Space to share Canvas resources; all teachers have editing rights - do not delete files.
OSD Shared Drive Folder
OSD Shared Drive Folder
Space to share files with other subject area teachers.
To update or gain access to these spaces, contact the OSD Office of Student Achievement.
Credit Recovery
Credit Recovery
Resources are available for educators working with students on credit recovery for Biology. The purpose of a credit recovery pathway is to afford students with more flexibility and personalized support in the essential standard(s) that the student has yet to demonstrate competency in a course previously attempted. Detailed guidance about credit recovery can be found in the USBE's Pathways for Graduation in Utah document. Credit recovery resources are available for download through Canvas Commons. For support in accessing these materials, consult the DCA and CR Courses two-minute tutorial video from USBE.
Science safety, news, standards, endorsements, grants, projects, and contact information for the state science team
Sign up for the secondary science e-mail listserv created by USBE, in collaboration with Utah Education Network (UEN), to learn about Utah events and professional development
If you have questions or feedback about science teaching and learning, please contact the OSD Office of Student Achievement.
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