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Assessments
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Why Assessments?
Assessments are effective tools that support learning and improve outcomes for students. Assessment data provides educators with critical insight into student learning so that every student receives the instruction they need to succeed. A strong assessment system includes both formative and summative forms.
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BPS District Science Interims
The BPS interims can serve as one part of a comprehensive assessment system. The most up-to-date information for the BPS science interims can be found on the ODA Assessment Platform.
NOTE: The Interims are optional. If you choose to give them, it is recommended that students be given no more than 2 interims across the year. It is up to the discretion of teachers and school leaders to decide what is appropriate/necessary.
NEW (8/30/23): The STE Dept. and BEES Coaches worked in conjunction with the ODA Dept. to update the science interims for grades 3-8. There will be an announcement when they are ready in Illuminate as well as guidance.
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2019 Interims Development Team
The initial set of Science Interim Assessments was created by a group of BPS teachers with members of the STE Department, Office of Data and Accountability, and three outside consultants in the Spring of 2019. The assessments for High School are topic-based. They can be given at any point during the school year, though it is recommended for students to take them mid-way through a unit. The assessments for elementary and middle school are roughly aligned to BPS Science Scope and Sequences. Teachers may use the published interim or create their own using the question bank in Illuminate.
2019 Interims Development Teacher Team:
Valerie Carlson, Ohrenberger School; Ewald Charles, Perry K-8; Haven Daniels, Perkins Elementary School; Brian Gaines, Hurley K-8
Kris Grymonpre, McCormack Middle; Ivyrose Likis, Excel HS; Savannah Lodge-Scharff, Maddison Park Technical Vocational HS; Janet Lynch, Grew Elementary School; Erin MacGilvray, PJ Kennedy; Matthew McCarthy, Madison Park Technical Vocational HS; Jennifer Nissley, Roosevelt K-8; Stacy-Michelle Reid, West Roxbury Academy; Kareen Wilkinson, Frederick Pilot Middle School; Karen Ziminski, Murphy K-8Planning & Facilitation Team:
Jacob Foster, PhD, Consultant; Amanda Knight-Bardsley, PhD, Consultant; Dana Pulda-Acone, BPS ODA Dept.; Holly Rosa, BPS STE Dept.; Laura Smith, Consultant
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Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System
All students must pass three Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests to receive a diploma from a Massachusetts public high school. Students must pass MCAS tests in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. BPS students take the ELA and Mathematics MCAS tests in the spring of 10th grade. All students should be provided an opportunity to take a science MCAS test in June of the 9th grade.
Students who do not pass an MCAS test, who miss a regularly scheduled MCAS test, or who transfer to BPS without having passed the required high school MCAS tests, must take a retest. ELA and Mathematics retests are given in fall, winter, and early spring. There are no retests in science; students must take a regularly scheduled science MCAS test in February (Biology only) or June (All science tests are offered).
Below you will find a collection of resources that can be helpful as you prepare your students for the Science MCAS exams.
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DESE Information and Resources
General and Logistical Information
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Statewide Testing Schedule and Administration Deadlines
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MCAS ALT Assessment Information
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MCAS Grade Level & Competency Portfolio Information
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MA Graduation Requirements & Related Guidance Information
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The Graduation Requirements page includes the memos that discuss the modifications to graduation requirements due to COVID-19 school closures in Spring 2020.
Science, Technology & Engineering Frameworks
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MA 2016 Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) MA Framework
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Instructional Guidelines on the 2016 STE standards:
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These documents are intended to provide additional guidance to support the content and instruction of the standards. The state is careful to note that the documents are not a complete guide. The standards highlighted were selected based on the number of inquiries from the field.
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The Standards Navigator can be used to explore the Massachusetts learning standards and related resources including student exemplars.
Assessment Information, Resources, & Supports
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Science and Technology/Engineering Practice Tests
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Search the MA DESE MCAS Science Question Database for past questions by year, grade, question type, topic, framework. From this page, you will also find links to the computer-based questions.
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DESE Authorized Accessibility and Accommodations, including Graphic Organizers and Bilingual Dictionaries and Glossaries
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Formula Sheets for use during MCAS testing: Physics, Chemistry, Technology/Engineering
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BPS Grade 5 and 8: (legacy) MCAS Support Materials by Unit
Former Science Department Staff (Thank you, Erin, Bev, and Holly!) organized (legacy) MCAS questions by Science Unit so that you would be able to use them with your students.
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Use the multiple-choice questions as part of your "Do Now" routine. Give students a question or two and ask them to select the correct answer. Then have students write an explanation as to why each of the other answers is incorrect. This provides an opportunity for students to really clarify their understanding of the content of the question and it will help you better understand where your students are in their learning.
Note: The resources below were compiled for the legacy MCAS test. However, you may still find questions of use for your formative assessments or to support MCAS preparation. Each document identifies the MA 2001/2006 Standard(s) associated with the questions listed.
