District-wide science benchmark assessments serve to:
- assess students’ understanding of science concepts in relation to the California Science Content Standards.
- provide cumulative assessments of student proficiency relative to instructional units.
- support data-informed planning and delivery of instruction.
- identify growth areas for professional development.
To support teachers in monitoring students towards grade level standards, benchmark assessments will be given to each student in grades 3-5 after each trimester (12 weeks) of instruction. Each benchmark assessment will be based on learning during the implementation of the FOSS module and the California State Standards in Earth Science, Physical Science, and Life Science. In addition, teachers will regularly collect a body of evidence for each student based on the Profiles of Proficiency that will be used to determine a marking for the Standards Based Report Card.
All students in grade 5 will be given the California Standards Test in Science.
- Grades 3-5 Benchmarks Assessments
Earth Science
Traditional: November 17-21, 2008
Year-Round: November 17-21, 2008
Physical Science
Traditional: February 23-27, 2009
Year-Round: March 16-20, 2009
Life Science
Tradition: June 8-12, 2009
Year-Round: July 6-10, 2009 - SBRC Support (on SharePoint)
- SharePoint Access Instructions
- Analyzing Data from Benchmark Assessments
To support middle school teachers in monitoring students towards grade level standards, benchmark assessments will be available in grades 6 and 7 for administration to students. Each benchmark assessment will be based on learning during the implementation of the Units of Study provided. In addition, teachers in grade 8 will be required to administer an end of course assessement to each of their students.
All students in grade 8 will be given the California Standards Test in Science.
- Grade 6 Benchmark Assessments
Optional 2008-09 - Grade 7 Benchmark Assessments
Optional 2008-09 - Grade 8 End of Course Assessment
Administration: June 1-June 15, 2009
All students who take a science course in grades 9-11 will be given a corresponding California Standards Test for that subject.
In addition, students who take Physics or Earth Science will be required to take an end of course assessement. This exam may be used as a culminating final exam for the class.
Sites are encouraged to regularly assess their students using formative and summative means throughout the year. Science Department resource teachers are available to assist sites in creating such assessments or to analyze the results.
- Earth Science End of Course Assessment
Administration: June 1-June 15, 2009 - Physics End of Course Assessment
Administration: June 1-June 15, 2009