Utah State Office of Education
Assessment & Accountability
5/11/2008 10:01:07 PM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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About Science Assessments

The purpose of the Science Core Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT) is to measure student understanding of the science Core Curriculum. This is only one measure of student understanding in a standardized manner. It should be interpreted accordingly.

The test is composed of a set of multiple-choice questions which require students to select the best answer from four options. The Core Curriculum consists of content area objectives as well as Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs). Data available related to this test includes how the group of students performed in each of the subcategories of the curriculum (standards, objectives, and ILOs), student proficiency levels, and percent of students in each proficiency level.

The combination of this data may be used to evaluate and make program decisions for students within a grade level as a group or science programs at the school, district, and state level. The information may then be used as a piece of evidence in determining priorities for program and instructional emphasis and refinement.

Science Resources
CRT Policy
UTIPS Science Pre-Tests Instructions
Science Curriculum Home Page

Reference Sheets
Chemistry | Physics

Test Administration Manuals
Elementary '06
Secondary '06
Additional Resources
Alphabet Soup Standardized Testing UT
PPT Presentation
Assessment Plan Grid
PDF Excel
Common Language for Science Assessment UT
PDF
Multiple Choice Item Writing Rules
PDF
EDNET 2/17/05
PPT Presentation
science
Reports CRT Results/Reports
Core Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT)

Some thoughts on assessment from Classroom Assessment and the National Science Education Standards (NRC, 2001) that will hopefully encourage you to look at assessment beyond the Core CRTs and that can be applied towards instruction of Utah students in science.

Assessment is an ubiquitous part of classroom life. Most exchanges between teacher and students are an occasion for considering the quality of student work. Often informal, assessment is a natural feature of teaching and learning whether or not it is so identified by teachers or students. A careful look at any classroom offers evidence of the intimate connection between teaching and assessment.

Research shows about assessment that:
  1. Regular and high-quality assessment in the classroom can have a positive effect on student achievement.
  2. The information gathered must be used to inform instruction and learning.
  3. Student participation is a key component of successful assessment strategies at every step.
  4. It is necessary to align assessments in the classroom with externally developed examinations (the Core Curriculum).

Core Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT) Development Participation Opportunities Utah Science CRT Development
Science Blueprints
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