How do you know what students know? There is a difference between regurgitating facts and demonstrating conceptual understanding. It is important to develop and/or adopt assessments that appreciate this difference. It is also critical that the assessments are aligned to this new way of teaching and learning. This requires thinking about assessments both as demonstrating knowledge and as continuation of learning experiences. Below are some tools and models assessments we have used to help guide the creation of NGSS-aligned assessments.

The Essentials (Achieve)

Figuring out how develop 3D assessments can be a challenge. These resources from Achieve will help you to identify key components of 3D assessments.

Task Annotation Project (Achieve)

Review the following annotated lesson plans. They incorporate information that documents how effectively 3D assessment was achieved.

3D Science Assessment Task Checklist

Use these checklists to evaluate the three dimensionality of the assessments you have created.

WYTOPP Testing

In the Spring of 2021, the WDE will be using a new assessment to measure K-12 science learning. They have contracted with American Institute for Research (AIR) to design these assessments. There are several other states who have also contracting with AIR. Below are links to California's sample tests, as example of their work.