Greetings Science Educators!
I know it is unusual to get this much communication in such a short amount of time, but a few items related to the Office of Assessment are timely so I’m sending them out to you today.
Assessment Update:
If you have questions about science assessments contact Tony.Cortez@sde.ok.gov or as always feel free to contact me with questions as well.
Cognitive Lab Applications:
The Oklahoma State Department of Education Office of Assessment would like to invite teachers and students to participate in a Cognitive Lab study in order to provide effective stakeholder feedback for the development of the science assessments aligned to the Oklahoma Academic Standards for Science. This study will take place the week of September 14, 2015. Current 6th and 9th grade students, and those who have completed Biology are eligible to participate. Please see the Cognitive_Lab_application for more information and to apply.
If cognitive labs are new to you, here is a little more information about them.
A Cognitive Lab is an opportunity for students to use the think aloud method to help aid in assessment item design. In a thirty to thirty-five minute session, the student is guided through a set of science questions by a
facilitator who records and observes their interaction with each test question. The results of the Cognitive Lab will provide valuable information that will be used to ensure that the assessment provides equitable access to students from across the state of Oklahoma.
2014-2015 Oklahoma School Testing Program (OSTP) Results Released
The Oklahoma School Testing Program results were announced at last week’s Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting. Below you will find a link to the press release and to the presentation where the test results are showcased.
- Link to the Press Release
- Link to the OSTP Results
Science Assessment Development for 2016-2017: Update
You may remember that applications for this committee went out in August. To update you on the work of the committee, I thought I’d share a few Facebook posts from those that participated on the committee.
“A group of 15+ of OKLAHOMA teachers just spent 3 grueling days writing 5th, 8th and Biology test strands to the new standards. I will never say anything negative about test writing again myself. The Measured Progress Team and Tony Cortez our SDE Science Assessment Specialist made sure our teachers will be a part of the entire test creation process.”
“I just wrapped up writing some items for the new state tests. Guys, I’m feeling encouraged! I think a lot of our concerns are being addressed.”
“Keep your eyes and ears out for opportunities to be on the next two committees to a part of this positive change in our science testing process. I’m sure Tiffany Neill will send out emails through the OKSci listserv when they are looking for applicants to work on the finishing phases.”
As mentioned in the quote above, we will be sending out information about the Test Item Review Committees later this fall. The Oklahoma State Department of Education, Measured Progress and a host of Oklahoma science educators are working hard to prepare for the new science assessments in 2016-2017. See a list of some of this work below.
- Developed Blueprints and Items Specification documents with a committee of Oklahoma Science Teachers – Summer 2015 (To be released soon).
- Incorporated resources developed by Oklahoma science teachers through the Oklahoma Science Framework Project in the Test and Item Specification document development – Summer 2015
- Collaborated with Oklahoma science teachers to develop test items – August 2015
- Seeking to gather information about how students think through test items that are currently being developed in a Cognitive Lab – September 2015
- Will be seeking feedback on developed test items from Oklahoma science teachers through Test Item Review Committees – Fall 2015Cognitive_Lab_applications
Thank you to all of the science educators who have volunteered so much of their time to assist with this work and thank you in advance to those that will volunteer time in the future through Cognitive Labs and Test Item Review Committees. I can’t say enough how inspired I am by the talented individuals that comprise this amazing community of professionals in our state.
Please keep in mind; science assessments in 2015-2016 will continue to be aligned to the PASS standards.
Thank you,
Tiffany