Module 2 - Foundations of NGSS Assessment
This module 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:
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
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.
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.
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.
General Module 2 Materials
Technology Tools
Module Handouts
Module Resources