"Putting Assessment in It's Place"
First in a series
by: Kevin King
Science Assessment Specialist, USOE
Recently, a teacher observed, rather sheepishly, that “the most important part of the core curriculum is not on the CRT.” To the astonishment of the teacher, I absolutely agreed. They were responding to actually reading “The Most Important Goal” part of the core curriculum and having seen the CRT blueprint.
The following is a direct excerpt from the 8th Grade Integrated Science UCC, but a very similar paragraph appears in EVERY Science Core Curriculum.
The Most Important Goal
Science instruction should cultivate and build on students’ curiosity and sense of wonder.
Effective science instruction engages students in enjoyable learning experiences. Science
instruction should be as thrilling an experience for a student as opening a rock and seeing a fossil,
watching the colors change in a chemical reaction, or observing the consistent sequence of color
in a rainbow. Science is not just for those who have traditionally succeeded in the subject, and it
is not just for those who will choose science-related careers. In a world of rapidly expanding
knowledge and technology, all students must gain the skills they will need to understand and
function responsibly and successfully in the world. The Core provides skills in a context that
enables students to experience the joy of doing science.
Too many individuals see that the CRT (and ONLY the CRT) should drive their instruction. What the CRT should drive is teachers into the core curriculum. If the core curriculum, as it is intended, is the basis of classroom instruction, then positive CRT results will follow. In the situation described, if students are enjoying and engaging in science instruction, if they are experiencing the joy of science, if their own innate curiosities are driving their learning of science, then the students will learn the content and process skills specified in the Core curriculum.
I encourage teachers to become familiar with the Core curriculum. I encourage you to take a few moments, get a copy (from the USOE website) of the Core curriculum for your grade or subject and read it in its entirety.
I am convinced that the instruction as described above will bring about positive CRT results. I am committed to making sure this is the case.
Kevin King
Science Assessment Specialist, USOE
kevin.king@schools.utah.gov
Assessment Opportunities
Summer Course: “Improving Learning Through Classroom Assessment”July 9-12, 2007
This is a great opportunity to learn how to link assessment practices with classroom instruction. Assessment is NOT a “bad word,” it is an essential component of classroom instruction. Most districts will support your attendance. As well, a $500 stipend is part of this class.
CRT Item Writing Opportunities
7th, 8th, and ESS – June 12-14, 2007
Bio, Chem, and Physics – June 26-28, 2007
Click here for more information