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Using Student Work To Strengthen Performance Assessments for NGSS

Course 3

Jill Wertheim and Cathy Zozakiewicz

This course is designed to support teams of educators in learning SNAP's process of collecting and using student work to improve the quality of a performance assessment for the Next Generation Science Standards. The course guides teams through the steps of preparing for pilot testing, analyzing the artifacts from pilot testing, and using patterns in these artifacts to guide revisions and improvements to the assessment. Once the assessment is revised, participants will meet with another team to exchange feedback on the analysis and revision and to reflect on the process.

Read more

This course is designed to support teams of educators in learning SNAP's process of collecting and using student work to improve the quality of a performance assessment for the Next Generation Science Standards. The course guides teams through the steps of preparing for pilot testing, analyzing the artifacts from pilot testing, and using patterns in these artifacts to guide revisions and improvements to the assessment. Once the assessment is revised, participants will meet with another team to exchange feedback on the analysis and revision and to reflect on the process.

What you'll learn

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Embed a performance assessment into an instructional sequence
  • Collect pilot data from a performance assessment
  • Analyze pilot data to evaluate whether it meets SNAP quality criteria
  • Revise a performance assessment to improve its quality
Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Embed a performance assessment into an instructional sequence
  • Collect pilot data from a performance assessment
  • Analyze pilot data to evaluate whether it meets snap quality criteria
  • Revise a performance assessment to improve its quality

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Is designed for teams of educators to facilitate collaboration
Specifically designed for educators involved in the Next Generation Science Standards
Provides educators with real-world examples to improve assessment quality
Team-based course allows educators to work together to improve a performance assessment
Prerequisite knowledge may be required, as the course assumes familiarity with the Next Generation Science Standards and the SNAP assessment process

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Reviews summary

Ngss performance assessment improvement

According to educators, this course provides highly practical strategies for strengthening performance assessments aligned with NGSS. Students particularly commend the data-driven approach to analyzing student work, noting its effectiveness in guiding meaningful revisions. The team-based learning structure is frequently highlighted as a significant positive, fostering invaluable peer collaboration and feedback. While offering actionable insights, some learners suggest preparing for a significant time investment, especially for the collaborative and revision tasks. As Course 3, it builds on prior foundations, suggesting a benefit for those already familiar with core NGSS assessment concepts, ensuring a more seamless learning experience.
Builds on prior knowledge, benefiting those familiar with SNAP or NGSS basics.
"As 'Course 3', it assumes some foundational knowledge of NGSS, which was helpful for me."
"Newcomers to the SNAP process or NGSS performance tasks might need to review earlier material for context."
"I recommend having a solid grasp of NGSS assessment basics before diving into this level of detail."
Benefits significantly from required team participation and peer feedback.
"Working with my team and getting feedback from other educators was invaluable."
"The collaborative structure really enhanced my understanding and application of the process."
"Peer exchange sessions helped solidify our analysis and revision plans immensely."
Provides a clear process for using student work to refine assessments.
"Learning to analyze pilot data to guide revisions was a game-changer for my team."
"The focus on data-driven improvement truly sets this course apart, making assessment revision logical."
"It demystified how to use student artifacts to strengthen our assessment quality."
Offers concrete, actionable methods for improving science performance assessments.
"The strategies presented are incredibly practical and directly applicable to our NGSS assessments."
"I immediately started seeing how to apply these concepts in my classroom."
"This course gave me the tools to truly embed performance assessments effectively."
Requires a considerable time commitment, especially for collaborative work.
"While highly valuable, the workload was quite heavy, requiring dedicated time outside of teaching hours."
"Be prepared for a significant time commitment, particularly for the intricate team components and revisions."
"I found balancing the rigorous course work with my regular teaching duties challenging at times."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Using Student Work To Strengthen Performance Assessments for NGSS: Course 3 with these activities:
Organize and review course materials
Consolidate and review course materials to reinforce understanding and identify areas for further study.
Show steps
  • Gather all course materials, including lecture notes, readings, and assignments.
  • Organize the materials into a logical structure.
  • Review the materials regularly to strengthen memory and understanding.
Read 'Assessment in Science Education' by Boujaoude
Supplement understanding of performance assessment by reviewing a comprehensive resource on assessment in science education.
View Science Education for Everyday Life: Evidence... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Assessment in Science Education' by S. Boujaoude.
  • Read the chapters relevant to performance assessment and student learning evaluation.
  • Take notes and reflect on the key concepts and insights presented in the book.
Participate in online learning communities
Joining online learning communities can help you connect with other learners, ask questions, and share experiences, which can enhance your understanding of SNAP's process.
Show steps
  • Identify and join online learning communities relevant to SNAP and science education.
  • Introduce yourself and participate in discussions to connect with other learners.
  • Ask questions, share your experiences, and contribute to the community.
  • Seek support and guidance from experienced members.
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Form study groups
Forming study groups with peers will allow you to discuss the course content, work together on assignments, and support each other's learning.
Browse courses on Collaborative Learning
Show steps
  • Identify classmates with similar interests and schedules.
  • Schedule regular study sessions to discuss course material.
  • Work together to complete assignments and projects.
  • Provide feedback and support to group members.
Participate in peer study groups
Engage with fellow learners to discuss course materials, share insights, and support each other's understanding.
Show steps
  • Join or create a study group with classmates.
  • Meet regularly to review course content, discuss assignments, and work through problems together.
  • Share notes, resources, and perspectives to enhance collective understanding.
Solve sample performance assessment tasks
Practice working through performance assessment tasks to enhance understanding of the format and expectations.
Browse courses on Performance Assessment
Show steps
  • Access the provided sample performance assessment tasks.
  • Attempt to solve the tasks and assess your understanding.
  • Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.
Attend online tutorials on SNAP assessment
Seek out online resources and tutorials to deepen understanding of SNAP assessment processes and best practices.
Browse courses on SNAP
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online tutorials or workshops on SNAP assessment.
  • Attend the tutorials and actively participate in discussions.
  • Apply the knowledge gained to your own assessment development and analysis.
Develop a concept map or diagram
Create a visual representation of course concepts to enhance understanding and identify relationships between ideas.
Browse courses on Concept Mapping
Show steps
  • Identify the key concepts and relationships in the course materials.
  • Use a mind mapping or diagramming tool to create a visual representation.
  • Review and refine the map to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Develop a performance assessment
Create an assessment tool that aligns with the SNAP process for evaluating student learning and improving the quality of assessments.
Browse courses on Performance Assessment
Show steps
  • Review the SNAP framework and guidelines.
  • Design a performance assessment task that meets SNAP quality criteria.
  • Collect pilot data from students and analyze the artifacts.
  • Use the analysis to revise and improve the assessment.
Assist in a science classroom or outreach program
Gain practical experience in science teaching and assessment by volunteering in a classroom or outreach setting.
Browse courses on Science Outreach
Show steps
  • Identify science-based volunteer opportunities in local schools or community organizations.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer roles.
  • Assist teachers or program leaders with hands-on activities, experiments, or assessment tasks.
Develop a teaching plan
Creating a teaching plan for a SNAP performance assessment will help you think through the assessment's purpose, design, and implementation.
Browse courses on Lesson Planning
Show steps
  • Determine the learning objectives for the performance assessment.
  • Identify the tasks and activities that students will complete.
  • Develop rubrics for assessing student work.
  • Plan for how you will provide feedback to students.

Career center

Learners who complete Using Student Work To Strengthen Performance Assessments for NGSS: Course 3 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Science Curriculum Developer
As a Science Curriculum Developer, you will be responsible for the creation and evaluation of science curricula for use in schools and other educational settings. This course may be useful for learning how to develop and assess performance-based science assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Curriculum Developer
Educational Researcher
As an Educational Researcher, you will be responsible for conducting research on educational practices and policies. This course may be useful for learning how to design and conduct research on the effectiveness of performance-based science assessments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Researcher
Science Teacher
As a Science Teacher, you will be responsible for teaching science to students in a variety of settings. This course may be useful for developing the skills and knowledge necessary to embed performance-based assessments into an instructional sequence and to collect and analyze student work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher
Assessment Specialist
As an Assessment Specialist, you will be responsible for developing and implementing assessment programs for use in schools and other educational settings. This course may be useful for learning how to develop and evaluate performance-based assessments that are aligned with specific educational standards.
See salaries and explore the career path for Assessment Specialist
Instructional Designer
As an Instructional Designer, you will be responsible for designing and developing instructional materials for use in schools and other educational settings. This course may be useful for learning how to design and develop performance-based assessments that are engaging and effective.
See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer
Educational Measurement Specialist
As an Educational Measurement Specialist, you will be responsible for the development and use of measurement techniques and instruments to assess student learning. This course may be useful for learning how to develop and evaluate performance-based assessments that are valid and reliable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Measurement Specialist
Curriculum Specialist
As a Curriculum Specialist, you will be responsible for developing and implementing curriculum for use in schools and other educational settings. This course may be useful for learning how to develop and evaluate performance-based assessments that are aligned with specific educational standards.
See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Specialist
Test Developer
As a Test Developer, you will be responsible for the development and evaluation of tests for use in schools and other educational settings. This course may be useful for learning how to develop and evaluate performance-based assessments that are valid and reliable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Test Developer
Data Analyst
As a Data Analyst, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data for use in a variety of settings. This course may be useful for learning how to analyze data from performance-based assessments to identify patterns and trends.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Program Evaluator
As a Program Evaluator, you will be responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs and interventions. This course may be useful for learning how to design and conduct evaluations of performance-based assessment programs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Program Evaluator
Policy Analyst
As a Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for researching and analyzing educational policies. This course may be useful for learning how to analyze the impact of performance-based assessment policies on student learning.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
Research Scientist
As a Research Scientist, you will be responsible for conducting research in a variety of fields, including education. This course may be useful for learning how to design and conduct research on the effectiveness of performance-based assessments.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Statistician
As a Statistician, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data for use in a variety of settings. This course may be useful for learning how to analyze data from performance-based assessments to identify patterns and trends.
See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician
Teacher Leader
As a Teacher Leader, you will be responsible for leading and supporting other teachers in the implementation of effective instructional practices. This course may be useful for learning how to develop and implement performance-based assessments in the classroom.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher Leader
School Administrator
As a School Administrator, you will be responsible for the overall operation of a school or school district. This course may be useful for learning about the role of performance-based assessments in school improvement.
See salaries and explore the career path for School Administrator

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Using Student Work To Strengthen Performance Assessments for NGSS: Course 3.
Cover image
Leadership [for] Teacher Learning
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of assessment design and is an excellent resource for educators looking to better understand the types of performance assessments recommended by SNAP. Background reading.
Leadership for Teacher Learning: Creating a Culture...
Paperback
$$
Leadership for Teacher Learning: Creating a Culture...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Engineering Instruction for High-Ability Learners...
Save
Provides the foundational standards that frame the overarching goals for K-12 science education in the United States. Background reading.
Engineering Instruction for High-Ability Learners...
Paperback
$$
Engineering Instruction for High-Ability Learners...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Science and Engineering for Grades 6-12
Save
Provides a comprehensive framework for assessing student learning in science.
Science and Engineering for Grades 6-12
Paperback
Check
Science and Engineering for Grades 6-12
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Essential Questions
Save
Provides a framework for designing and implementing curriculum and assessment.
Essential Questions
Paperback
Check
Essential Questions
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Assessment for Learning
Save
Introduces the principles of assessment for learning and provides practical strategies for using assessment to improve student learning.
Assessment for Learning (UK Higher Education OUP...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Unlocking Formative Assessment
Save
Provides a research-based framework for providing effective feedback to students.
Unlocking Formative Assessment New Zealand Edition
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Classroom Assessment Techniques
Save
Provides a collection of classroom assessment techniques that can be used to assess student learning.
Classroom Assessment Techniques: Formative Feedback...
Paperback
$$
Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for...
Paperback
$$
Classroom Assessment Techniques, Second Edition
Paperback
$$$
Classroom Assessment Techniques: Formative Feedback...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Integrating Differentiated Instruction and...
Save
Provides a collection of authentic assessment tasks that can be used to assess student learning.
Integrating Differentiated Instruction and...
Paperback
Check
Integrating Differentiated Instruction and...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Formative Classroom Walkthroughs
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to creating and using rubrics for formative assessment and feedback.
Formative Classroom Walkthroughs
Paperback
Check
Formative Classroom Walkthroughs
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
6 to 12 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
Stanford University
Instructors
Jill Wertheim
Cathy Zozakiewicz
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Is designed for teams of educators to facilitate collaboration
Specifically designed for educators involved in the Next Generation Science Standards
Provides educators with real-world examples to improve assessment quality
Team-based course allows educators to work together to improve a performance assessment
Prerequisite knowledge may be required, as the course assumes familiarity with the Next Generation Science Standards and the SNAP assessment process
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