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DLM Science Alternate Assessment

Additional Training Module 8

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Learning Objectives

• Goals of Science Pilot Test• Science Content Framework• Testlet Delivery & Design

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Goals of Science Pilot Test

• Evaluate the new science testlet content. • Evaluate a plan for using student information

to determine what level of test to deliver.• Gather feedback from educators about

opportunity to learn and perceived difficulty of assessed content as well as general testlet structure.

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SCIENCE CONTENT FRAMEWORK

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DLM Science Standards Framework

• Life Science• Physical Science• Earth & Space Science

Domains

• 11 Core IdeasCore Ideas

• 40 TopicsTopics

• Target• Precursor• Initial

Essential Elements & Linkage Levels

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DLM Science States’ Selected Topics for all Grade Spans

Physical Science Life Science Earth/Space Science

Structure & Properties of Matter

Structure & Function Earth & the Solar System

Forces and Motion Growth & Development Earth Materials & System

Conservation & Transfer of Energy

Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Weather & Climate

Wave Properties Inheritance & Variation of Traits

Natural Resources

Adaptation Human Impacts on Earth Systems

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DLM Projects Comparison

ELA and Mathematics• Comprehensive learning

maps• Essential Elements written

to all college and career readiness standards

• Five linkage levels• Supported by federal grant

Science• Map development planned

for future work• Essential Elements written

for selected set of science standards

• Three linkage levels• Supported by partner

states

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Linkage Level Comparison

ELA & Math ScienceInitial InitialDistal PrecursorProximal Precursor Precursor

Target TargetSuccessor

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Example from Science

Essential Element: EE.MS-PS2-2

Target Level: Investigate and predict the change in motion of objects based on the forces acting on those objects.

Precursor Level: Investigate and identify ways to change the motion of an object (e.g., change an incline’s slope to make an object go slower, faster, farther).

Initial Level: Identify ways to change the movement of an object (e.g., faster, slower, stop).

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TESTLET DELIVERY & DESIGN

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First Contact Survey

• Survey used to collect background information about students

• For the Science pilot, it will be used to determine which linkage level will be assessed for each student.– It is a fixed test which means that the assigned

linkage level will apply to all testlets administered to the student.

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Testlet Information Pages

• The Test Administrator will be provided with a Testlet Information Page (TIP) for each testlet. TIPs are described fully in the TEST ADMINISTRATION MANUAL.

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Computer Delivered Testlets

• Used for Target and Precursor level testlets• Student is able to interact independently with

the computer– May use special devices

• Some technology may or may not work

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Teacher-Administered Testlets

• Designed for administration to the student outside the DLM system

• Test administrator records responses in the DLM system

• Used for Initial level testlets only• Testlet Information Pages (TIPS)

– Print images prior to test administration!

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Test Administration Practices

• Test Administrators may need to use their best judgment and be flexible while administering the assessment.

• Test Administrators may provide additional supports beyond PNP options.

• Supports described in the Allowable Practices section of the TEST ADMINISTRATION MANUAL are allowed in the science testlets unless exceptions are noted in the Testlet Information Page (TIP).

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Accessibility Supports

• Most supports available in the system for ELA & Math are also available for Science.

• The spring pilot test is not designed for students who are blind or have visual impairments.

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Structure of a Testlet

• Begins with engagement activity– Motivate students– Provide a context– Activate prior knowledge

• Science: – Longer activities presented twice; questions

embedded and at conclusion on 2nd read– Shorter activities and single topics presented

once; questions at conclusion

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Test Design

• Each testlet contains items from one Essential Element

• Science: – 3-4 items + engagement activity– Total of 9-10 testlets

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Testlet Delivery Part 1

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Part 2

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Part 3

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Part 4

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System has testlets available at three linkage levels for every part of the test

Students take one testlet from one level across each group

The same level will be assessed for all parts of the test

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Testlet Delivery

Part 1

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Part 2

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Part 3

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Part 4

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Teacher Survey

• An essential component of the Science pilot test is the teacher survey.

• If a survey displays in KITE for the student, please complete it after the student has finished the assessment.

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• Science Supplement to the Test Administration Manual

• About Science Pilot Test

http://www.dynamiclearningmaps.org/content/science-pilot-test-admin

Other Resources

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The present publication was developed under grant 84.373X100001 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. The views expressed herein are solely those of the author(s), and no official endorsement by the U.S. Department should be inferred.