Test Item Analysis Science Grade 6 Josh Doty John Sevier Middle School Kingsport, TN Grade Level: 6 Content Area: Earth Science Source: 2007 Tennessee TCAP Practice Test, page 26

Navigation Page Step I: Item Analysis Standardized Test Item Test Item Type Test Item Structure Embedded Content and Skills Step III: Instructional Alignment Lesson Plan Step II: Standards Alignment Connections to Curriculum Framework Content Clarification Strand Map

Standardized Test Item

Test Item Type Test Item Type Multiple Choice with Diagram Analysis Navigation Page

Step I: Test Item Structure Stem: According to the map, which region has a cold front with rain moving through? Diagram: The diagram contains a weather map with various cold/warm fronts, high/low pressure areas, and a compass rose. A key is also included. Distractors: Answer choices G, H, and J are distractors because they do not match the symbols from the key. Correct answer choice: The correct answer is F. What makes this the correct choice? The cold front symbol from the key is located over the northeastern states and it also contains the gray-shaded region representing rain. Navigation Page

Embedded Concepts & Process Skills Step I: Embedded Concepts & Process Skills Concepts and Big Ideas Atmospheric Cycles Weather Process (Inquiry or problem solving) Skills Map Reading Interpreting Directions Using a Compass Rose Using a Map Key Webbs Knowledge Levels Strategic Thinking Navigation Page

Connections to State Curriculum Framework Earth and Space Science Standard Number: 8.0 Atmospheric Cycles The student will investigate the relationships among atmospheric conditions, weather, and climate. Learning Expectations: 8.2 Investigate the relationship between the collection of weather data and its interpretation. Navigation Page

Content Clarification or Topic Study To view the content clarification for this topic click here To view the content clarification for this topic click here Navigation Page

Atlas of Science Literacy Navigation Page NSDL Strand Map: The Physical Setting; Weather & Climate

Instructional Alignment Click here to see the Virtual Field Trip Lesson that corresponds with this test item Navigation Page

Test Item Analysis Glossary Navigation Page Alignment: degree to which the components of an instructional plan work together to achieve a desired learning goal for students. Cognitive demand: level of thinking required to solve a problem, complete a task, or answer a question. Constructed response: student-created answer to a test item as in an essay. Content crosswalk: method for examining correlations between different sets of standards. Content clarification: process for researching a standard from the perspectives of the content knowledge base and factors that influence teaching and learning. Distractor: incorrect option within a test item. Embedded science concept: implicit idea that needs to be understood to successfully complete a test item. Enhanced multiple choice: question that elicits prior knowledge, integrates knowledge and process skills, and uses an enhancement such as a map, graph, speech excerpt. Essay: relatively short prose composition on a limited topic. Open-ended question: prompt that allows test-takers to respond in their own words Extended response: open-ended question that allows students to provide detailed written answers. Multiple choice: question in which the test-taker selects a response from several possible alternatives. Multiple selection: test item includes more than one correct answer that must be identified.

Test Item Analysis Glossary Navigation Page Performance task: direct, systematic observation of a student action or product that is scored according to pre-established criteria. Released test item: previously used standardized test question or task that have been made available to the public. Scenario analysis: students respond to a task centered on an image or set of circumstances. Standardized test item finder: tool that identifies websites that contain test items released by state departments of education or national agencies. State standards locator: tool with direct links to websites that contain state standards. Stem: statement or question used to frame a multiple-choice item. Strand maps: visual representations found in the Atlas of Science Literacy that illustrate the Learning Progressions embedded in standards. Test item analysis: process for designing instruction that is mindful of standardized testing. Topic study: careful analysis of a concept that examines the requisite content knowledge base and issues associated with teaching and learning. Webbs depth of knowledge level: hierarchical scale that measures the cognitive complexity of a learning expectation. (See: