Alabama Science AssessmentScience GroupChrystal L. Tolbert; Kenny Zaremba; Robert McClelland

What is the purpose of the Alabama Science Assessment?

To assess students’ mastery of state content standards in science

To report individual and group performance

To report relative strengths and weaknesses of individuals and groups

To provide data to study changes in performance over time

What does the ASA measure?

Grades 5-Alabama State Course of Study Standards Six in Physical Science Three in Life Science Two in Earth and Space Science

Grade 7-Alabama State Course of Study Standards Eleven Standards in Life Science

How is the ASA administered?

Criterion-Referenced

Consists of 66 multiple choice questions (one point each) Four answer choices

Aligned with the Alabama State Course of Study Standards

Standardized Test

Taken in one session (Typically in April or May of each school year during the week of the Alabama Reading and Math Test[ARMT+] )

Sample Question

Score Interpretation

Performance is reported in the following achievement levels:

Level I Level II Level III Level IV

Achievement Level Interpreted Result

Level IV Exceeds academic content standards

Level III Meets academic content standards

Level II Partially meets academic content standards

Level I Below academic content standards

What types of scores are reported?

Percentage of each level of students are reported. Ex: 60% of students scored a Level IV. 30% of students scored a Level III. 10% of

students scored a Level II. 0% of students scored a Level I.

How To Explain Scores To Parents

5 Tips:

1. Explain the purpose of the test. (Have a list of test objectives)

2. Give the name of the assessment instrument as well as who administered the test.

3. Show parents the test results. Explain how scores are determined as well as each achievement level.

4. Ask for the parents’ input. (How do you feel about this assessment? Do you feel that this accurately reflects your child’s performance?)

5. Clear up myths and misconceptions. Explain how the test results will be used. (I.e. Placed in record? RTI purposes? Chart student progress?)

How does the school system use the scores?

Scores are reported with compliance with the mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act in the assessment of AYP.

Scores are not used for determining a school’s or school system’s accountability status

Scores used in School Improvement Plans

Referenceshttps://docs.alsde.edu/documents/91/Alabama%20Science%20Assessment%20Overview.pdf

For More Information: • Test scores for schools, school systems, and state—Accountability Reporting: http://www.alsde.edu/Accountability/preAccountability.asp

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