TEA STUDENT ASSESSMENT UPDATE ON SCIENCE Texas Assessment Conference December 2010 Julie Guthrie Jonathan Harris Science Assessments Student Assessment Division Texas Education Agency

TAKS December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Revised TEKS have been implemented for the 2010–2011 school year. Science assessments in spring 2011 will be aligned to the revised TEKS.

TAKS December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division If a skill or concept has been deleted from the TEKS, that skill or concept will not be tested and will not be on the spring 2011 tests. If a skill or concept remains in the TEKS and was tested previously, it will continue to be tested and may appear on the spring 2011 tests (as a base-test or field-test question). If a skill or concept has been added to the TEKS, it may appear on the spring 2011 tests (as a field-test question).

TAKS December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Deleted Skill/Concept for Grade 5 Old TEKS 5.7D, observe and measure characteristic properties of substances that remain constant such as boiling points and melting points New TEKS 5.5B, identify the boiling and freezing/melting points of water on the Celsius scale

TAKS December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Deleted Skill/Concept for Grade 8 Old TEKS 8.7B, recognize that waves are generated and can travel through different media Not in new TEKS for middle school

TAKS December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Deleted Skill/Concept for High School Old TEKS I.4D, investigate and demonstrate mechanical advantage and efficiency of various machines such as levers, motors, wheels and axles, pulleys, and ramps Not in new TEKS

TAKS December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Same Skill/Concept for Grade 5 Old TEKS 3.11C, identify the planets in our solar system and their position in relation to the Sun New TEKS 3.8D, identify the planets in Earth’s solar system and their position in relation to the Sun

TAKS December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Same Skill/Concept for Grade 8 Old TEKS 6.6B, demonstrate that changes in motion can be measured and graphically represented New TEKS 6.8D, measure and graph changes in motion

TAKS December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Same Skill/Concept for High School Old TEKS I.8C, investigate and identify the law of conservation of mass New TEKS I.7C, demonstrate that mass is conserved when substances undergo chemical change and that the number and kind of atoms are the same in the reactants and the products

TAKS December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Added Skill/Concept for Grade 5 Old TEKS 5.12C, identify the physical characteristics of the Earth and compare them to the physical characteristics of the moon New TEKS 5.8D, identify and compare the physical characteristics of the Sun, Earth, and Moon

TAKS December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Added Skill/Concept for Grade 8 New TEKS 8.8C, explore how different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum such as light and radio waves are used to gain information about distances and properties of components in the universe

TAKS to STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Plan for phase-out of TAKS and phase-in of STAAR 2010– – – – – –2016 GR 3–8TAKS STAAR GR 9TAKS STAAR GR 10TAKS STAAR GR 11TAKS STAAR GR 12 & Out-of-School Students TAKS STAAR or TAKS STAAR or TAKS

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division New assessment program for  Grades 3–8  High school Begins in 2011–2012

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division For grades 3–8, tests are in same grades and subjects as TAKS.  Grades 3–8 mathematics  Grades 3–8 reading  Grades 4 and 7 writing  Grades 5 and 8 science  Grade 8 social studies For high school, twelve end-of-course tests replace ten grade-level tests.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division STAAR will focus on “clearer, fewer, and deeper”.  Provide a more clearly articulated assessment program  Focus on fewer skills  Address those skills in a deeper manner

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Development of STAAR Follows the test development process posted on the TEA student assessment website Involves educators in focus groups, advisory committees, and item/data reviews Involves higher-educator faculty for EOC assessments Includes the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for EOC assessments

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Development of STAAR Educator involvement in the test development process is critical to the process. Highly qualified educators are needed to serve on educator committees. The Educator Recommendation Form can be found on the TEA student assessment at

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Educator Advisory Committees Reviewed TEKS curriculum to determine what can and cannot be assessed Determined that the majority of the TEKS are eligible for the assessment because they can be tested

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Educator Advisory Committees Example of part of a student expectation that cannot be tested from grade 5 5.2F, communicate valid conclusions in [both] written [and verbal] form[s]

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Educator Advisory Committees Reviewed eligible TEKS to determine what should be the focus of the assessment; these are called Readiness Standards Recommended other assessed TEKS as Supporting Standards

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division In general, Readiness Standards Are essential for success in the current grade or course Are important for preparedness for the next grade or course Support college and career readiness Necessitate in-depth instruction Address broad and deep ideas

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Grade 5 science assessment Will test content from multiple grade levels Will focus on grade 5 TEKS and include some TEKS from grades 4 and 3  12 Readiness Standards from grade 5  11 Supporting Standards from grade 5  5 Supporting Standards from grade 4  6 Supporting Standards from grade 3

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Grade 8 science assessment Will test content from multiple grade levels Will focus on grade 8 TEKS and include some TEKS from grades 7 and 6  15 Readiness Standards from grade 8  11 Supporting Standards from grade 8  14 Supporting Standards from grade 7  9 Supporting Standards from grade 6

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Readiness and Supporting Standards Readiness and Supporting Standards are identified in the assessed curriculum documents. These documents are posted on the TEA student assessment website at

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Grade 5 Science Assessment—Eligible TEKS—Reporting Category 2 Grade 5 (5.6)Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that energy occurs in many forms and can be observed in cycles, patterns, and systems. The student is expected to (A) explore the uses of energy, including mechanical, light, thermal, electrical, and sound energy; Readiness Standard (B) demonstrate that the flow of electricity in circuits requires a complete path through which an electric current can pass and can produce light, heat, and sound; Readiness Standard (C) demonstrate that light travels in a straight line until it strikes an object or travels through one medium to another and demonstrate that light can be reflected such as the use of mirrors or other shiny surfaces and refracted such as the appearance of an object when observed through water; and Readiness Standard (D) design an experiment that tests the effect of force on an object. Supporting Standard Grade 3 (3.6)Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that forces cause change and that energy exists in many forms. The student is expected to (B) demonstrate and observe how position and motion can be changed by pushing and pulling objects to show work being done such as swings, balls, pulleys, and wagons. Supporting Standard

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Grade 8 Science Assessment—Eligible TEKS—Reporting Category 2 Grade 8 (8.6)Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that there is a relationship between force, motion, and energy. The student is expected to (A) demonstrate and calculate how unbalanced forces change the speed or direction of an object’s motion; Readiness Standard (B) differentiate between speed, velocity, and acceleration; and Supporting Standard (C) investigate and describe applications of Newton’s law of inertia, law of force and acceleration, and law of action-reaction such as in vehicle restraints, sports activities, amusement park rides, Earth’s tectonic activities, and rocket launches. Readiness Standard Grade 7 (7.7)Force, motion, and energy. The student knows that there is a relationship among force, motion, and energy. The student is expected to (A) contrast situations where work is done with different amounts of force to situations where no work is done such as moving a box with a ramp and without a ramp, or standing still. Supporting Standard Grade 6 (6.8)Force, motion, and energy. The student knows force and motion are related to potential and kinetic energy. The student is expected to (A) compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy; Supporting Standard

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Biology Assessment—Eligible TEKS—Reporting Category 4 (B.9)Science concepts. The student knows the significance of various molecules involved in metabolic processes and energy conversions that occur in living organisms. The student is expected to (B) compare the reactants and products of photosynthesis and cellular respiration in terms of energy and matter; and Supporting Standard (C) identify and investigate the role of enzymes. Supporting Standard (B.10)Science concepts. The student knows that biological systems are composed of multiple levels. The student is expected to (A) describe the interactions that occur among systems that perform the functions of regulation, nutrient absorption, reproduction, and defense from injury or illness in animals; Readiness Standard (B) describe the interactions that occur among systems that perform the functions of transport, reproduction, and response in plants; and Readiness Standard (C) analyze the levels of organization in biological systems and relate the levels to each other and to the whole system. Supporting Standard (B.11)Science concepts. The student knows that biological systems work to achieve and maintain balance. The student is expected to (A) describe the role of internal feedback mechanisms in the maintenance of homeostasis. Supporting Standard

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Chemistry Assessment—Eligible TEKS—Reporting Category 1 (C.4)Science concepts. The student knows the characteristics of matter and can analyze the relationships between chemical and physical changes and properties. The student is expected to (A) differentiate between physical and chemical changes and properties; Readiness Standard (B) identify extensive and intensive properties; Supporting Standard (C) compare solids, liquids, and gases in terms of compressibility, structure, shape, and volume; and Supporting Standard (D) classify matter as pure substances or mixtures through investigation of their properties. Readiness Standard (C.5)Science concepts. The student understands the historical development of the Periodic Table and can apply its predictive power. The student is expected to (A) explain the use of chemical and physical properties in the historical development of the Periodic Table; Supporting Standard (B) use the Periodic Table to identify and explain the properties of chemical families, including alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens, noble gases, and transition metals; and Readiness Standard (C) use the Periodic Table to identify and explain periodic trends, including atomic and ionic radii, electronegativity, and ionization energy. Readiness Standard

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Physics Assessment—Eligible TEKS—Reporting Category 1 (P.4) Science concepts. The student knows and applies the laws governing motion in a variety of situations. The student is expected to (A) generate and interpret graphs and charts describing different types of motion, including the use of real-time technology such as motion detectors or photogates; Readiness Standard (B) describe and analyze motion in one dimension using equations with the concepts of distance, displacement, speed, average velocity, instantaneous velocity, and acceleration; Readiness Standard (C) analyze and describe accelerated motion in two dimensions using equations, including projectile and circular examples; Supporting Standard (D) calculate the effect of forces on objects, including the law of inertia, the relationship between force and acceleration, and the nature of force pairs between objects; Readiness Standard (E) develop and interpret free-body force diagrams; and Supporting Standard (F) identify and describe motion relative to different frames of reference. Supporting Standard

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Readiness Standards  Encompass 30–40% of the eligible TEKS  Will make up 60–65% of the assessment Supporting Standards  Encompass 60–70% of the eligible TEKS  Will make up 35–40% of the assessment

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Grade 5 Science Blueprint

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Grade 8 Science Blueprint

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Biology Blueprint

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Chemistry Blueprint

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Physics Blueprint

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Scientific Process Skills Will be assessed differently Will be assessed in context, not in isolation Will be assessed in a more integrated and authentic manner

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Scientific Process Skills Will not be listed under a separate reporting category Will be incorporated into at least 40% of the test questions Will be reported along with the content skills under the other reporting categories

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Examples of Scientific Process Skills 5.2B, ask well-defined questions, formulate testable hypotheses, and select and use appropriate equipment and technology 8.1A, demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in the Texas Safety Standards P.2J, organize and evaluate data and make inferences from data, including the use of tables, charts, and graphs

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Griddable Questions A type of open-ended question used for science and mathematics assessments Purpose is to provide students opportunities to derive answers independently without being influenced by answer choices provided with the questions

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Grade 5 Science  Will have 1 griddable question  Will use same grid as is currently used on TAKS

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Grade 8 Science  Will have 4 griddable questions  Will use same grid as is currently used on TAKS

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Biology will not have any griddable questions Chemistry  Will have 5 griddable questions  Will use new grid Physics  Will have 5 griddable questions  Will use new grid

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Griddable Questions for Grades 5 and 8 Correct answer will be positive number. Answer grid includes a fixed decimal point. Students must enter their answer in the correct columns with respect to the fixed decimal point.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Griddable Questions for Grades 5 and 8 Students must enter their answer in the boxes and then fill in the corresponding bubbles. Students do not have to use all the boxes. Extra zeros may be filled in (either before or after the answer) as long as their placement does not affect the value of the answer.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Griddable Questions for High School Correct answer can be positive or negative number. If answer is negative number, students must enter a negative sign; otherwise answer will default to positive. Answer grid includes a floating decimal point. If answer is a decimal number, students must enter a decimal point.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Griddable Questions for High School Students must enter their answer in the boxes (paper and online) and then fill in the corresponding bubbles (paper only). Students do not have to use all the boxes. Students can place their answer in any set of consecutive boxes. Extra zeros may be filled in (either before or after the answer) as long as their placement does not affect the value of the answer.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Resources available  Assessed curriculum  Assessment blueprints  Description of the new assessment model  Comparison between TAKS and STAAR Resources still to come  Reference material (formulas, conversions, periodic table)  Sample items Posted on the TEA student assessment website at

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Performance Standards for Grades 3–8 Standards will be set in October 2012 after first administration in spring First reports with performance standards applied will be available in late fall Therefore, there will not be retest opportunities for SSI grades/subjects in 2011–2012.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Performance Standards for EOC Assessments Standards will be set in February 2012 prior to first high stakes administration in spring First reports with performance standards applied will be available in late spring First retests will be offered in summer 2012.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division EOC Assessments Biology, Chemistry, Physics Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II English I, English II, English III World Geography, World History, U.S. History

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division EOC Assessments Algebra II and English III assessments will include a performance standard that indicates college readiness. Research will be conducted to investigate a college-readiness component for science and social studies EOC assessments.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Graduation Requirements Freshman class of 2011–2012 is first group to have EOC assessments as part of their a graduation requirement. That is the current 8 th graders. All 12 EOC assessments will be available in 2011–2012 in both online and paper modes.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Graduation Requirements In order to graduate, a student must achieve a cumulative score that is at least equal to the product of the number of EOC assessments taken in that content area and a scale score that indicates satisfactory performance. For each of the four core content areas, the cumulative score ≥ n x passing scale score, where n = number of assessments taken.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Graduation Requirements A student must achieve a minimum score, as determined by the commissioner, for the score to count towards the student’s cumulative score. A student’s cumulative score is determined using the student‘s highest score on each EOC assessment.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Graduation Requirements For students on the minimum high school program, the cumulative score is based on the number of courses taken for which an EOC assessment exists. For students on the minimum high school program, the cumulative score requirement may vary by subject area.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Graduation Requirements In addition to meeting the cumulative score requirement in each of the four core content areas, students on the recommended high school program have to pass EOC assessments for  Algebra II  English III

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Graduation Requirements In addition to meeting the cumulative score requirement in each of the four core content areas, students on the distinguished achievement program have to perform satisfactorily on the college-readiness component of the EOC assessments for  Algebra II  English III

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Graduation Requirements A student’s score on an EOC assessment will be worth 15% of the student’s final grade for that course.

STAAR December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Graduation Requirements In the future, TEA is planning multiple administrations of EOC assessments for  Students who complete the course at different times of the year  Retest opportunities TEA is planning EOC administrations at the end of  Spring  Summer  Fall

December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Spring 2011 Administrations Increased testing activities will provide several benefits  Ability to set performance standards prior to spring 2012  Ability to externally validate performance standards  Ability to develop and implement growth measures Current EOC Assessments

December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Spring 2011 Administrations Most campuses have been assigned mandatory operational testing in  Biology  Chemistry  Physics Includes online and paper modes Testing window is May 9–27 Reports will be available to districts Current EOC Assessments

December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Statewide summary reports for 2008–2010 are available on the TEA student assessment website at Statewide summary reports include “All Students”; this refers only to those students who participated in the EOC assessments. Current EOC Assessments

December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Biology EOC Assessment Performance YEAR MEAN RAW SCORE33/5431/54 MEAN PERCENT CORRECT61%57% NUMBER TESTED58,041152,247 PASS RATE IF STANDARD = 70% OF ITEMS CORRECT 40%32% Current EOC Assessments

December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Chemistry EOC Assessment Performance YEAR MEAN RAW SCORE28/5023/50 MEAN PERCENT CORRECT56%46% NUMBER TESTED36,696129,070 PASS RATE IF STANDARD = 70% OF ITEMS CORRECT 25%13% Current EOC Assessments

December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division Physics EOC Assessment Performance YEAR2010 MEAN RAW SCORE28/48 MEAN PERCENT CORRECT58% NUMBER TESTED25,241 PASS RATE IF STANDARD = 70% OF ITEMS CORRECT 29% Current EOC Assessments

December Texas Education Agency Student Assessment Division For More Information… Sign-up for listserv at Contact us by at Contact us by phone at Student Assessment Division Science Team Julie Guthrie, Director Jonathan Harris, Manager Robert Bingham Holly Harris Julee Sanders Doris Tingle Magda Wolk

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