Biology End ‐ of ‐ Course (EOC) Exam

Students are required to pass the biology EOC for high school graduation. Washington State OSPI-

 All students taking Integrated Inquiry Science -Level II will be taking the Biology End-Of-Course Exam (EOC) for Biology.  Students in Washington State must pass the Biology (EOC) to graduate from high school.- Source: OSPI  The Biology EOC will be administered this year on May (The Tuesday after Memorial Day weekend). Note: This date was recently changed.

Item Types on the Biology End ‐ of ‐ Course (EOC) Exam Item TypesPoint Value Item Type Items per operational test Distinguishing Feature(s) Multiple choice 1 31 ‐ 34 Each multiple choice item has four answer choices, the correct answer and three distractors. Completio n 1 1‐41‐4 Each completion item requires the student to write a number, word or short phrase. Short answer 2 5 Each short answer item requires a response in the form of phrases or sentences. Short answer items may ask students to do things like write a conclusion or procedure, solve a technological design problem, or describe aspects of biological systems. Five additional pilot items will be embedded in the EOC. These items are not included in student scores

Performance Level Descriptors  Performance Level Descriptors (PLDs) give teachers, parents/guardians and students more information about the typical skills and knowledge a student demonstrates on state assessments in each performance level.  PLDs are broken down by the score levels students can earn:  Basic (Level 2)  Proficient (Level 3)  Advanced (Level 4)  A level 3 or 4 is required for passing  Students with a 504 plan can pass with a level 2 or greater.

What content will I need to know?

Big Idea 1: Structures and Functions of Living Organisms (LS1) Core Content:  Processes Within Cells Big Idea 2: Ecosystems (LS2) Core Content:  Maintenance and Stability of Populations Big Idea 3: Biological Evolution (LS3) Core Content:  Mechanisms of Evolution

EALR 4: Life Science. Big Idea: Structures and Functions of Living Organisms Core Content: Processes Within Cells In 9 th grade you learned that cells have complex molecules and structures that enable them to carry out life functions such as photosynthesis and respiration. This year you learned how organisms pass on their characteristics to future generations and learn how information for producing proteins and reproduction is coded in DNA and organized into genes in chromosomes.  This elegant yet complex set of processes explains how life forms replicate themselves with slight changes that make adaptations to changing conditions possible over long periods of time. These processes that occur within living cells help you understand the commonalities among the diverse living forms that populate Earth today.

EALR 4: Life Science. Big Idea: Ecosystems Core Content: Maintenance and Stability of Populations This year you will learn about the factors that foster or limit growth of populations within ecosystems and that help to maintain the health of the ecosystem overall. Organisms participate in the cycles of matter and flow of energy to survive and reproduce. Given abundant resources, populations can increase at rapid rates. But living and nonliving factors limit growth, resulting in ecosystems that can remain stable for long periods of time. Understanding the factors that affect populations is important for many societal issues, from decisions about protecting endangered species to questions about how to meet the resource needs of civilization while maintaining the health and sustainability of Earth's ecosystems.

EALR 4: Life Science. Big Idea: Biological Evolution  Core Content: Mechanisms of Evolution This year you learned about the factors that underlie biological evolution: variability of offspring, population growth, a finite supply of resources, and natural selection. Both the fossil record and analyses of DNA have made it possible to better understand the causes of variability and to determine how the many species alive today are related. Evolution is the major framework that explains the amazing diversity of life on our planet and guides the work of the life sciences.

 89.1% :2013  90.4% :2014 What percent of last year’s students who took the EOC passed?

What are some things you can do to prepare for the EOC?? Review review materials on this site. Specifically-  Be familiar with the vocabulary used- see vocab list on Weebly EOC site.  Read over each of the test item specifications for the three big ideas in biology. Be able to demonstrate that you understand each of the elements you may be asked to do on this assessment. Use the following guide to reflect on your current understanding of important content knowledge and science practices. Use this assessment as a diagnostic tool to focus on needed areas.  Link to reflection/diagnostic- posted 5/4  Seek understanding for the items you did not check off..ask your friends or teacher or Google your bff.  Attend a drop in review session (after or before school).