Evaluating Student Work from Performance Assessments to Guide NGSS Teaching and Learning: Course 4 from edX

This course supports teams of educators in learning SNAP's process of developing multidimensional rubrics for science performance assessments. Participants are led step-by-step through the development of educative rubrics designed to give teachers and students the information needed for equitable instructional practices that support students’ 3-dimensional learning. Participants will learn strategies for using the rubric as a resource for science classrooms that use effective and efficient techniques to integrate assessments seamlessly into the instructional sequence. The unique structure of these rubrics is designed to support classrooms in shifting from a punitive approach to assessment to using challenging and meaningful performance tasks to improve students’ 3D reasoning, engagement, and to frame students as agents of their own learning. The course has a hybrid structure that blends independent learning from the instructional videos, collaborative work in teams, and peer teams that meet for feedback and to reflect on patterns across classes and grades to improve 3D learning across a school or district.

What you'll learn

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

Understand the key elements of a quality rubric for NGSS performance assessments
Develop a 3-dimensional rubric
Use a rubric to provide effective feedback and grades to students
Use a rubric to inform instructional decisions to improve students’ 3-dimensional learning
Use a rubric to cultivate a positive classroom culture around assessment
Use trends from student work to inform collaborative school or district-wide planning to improve 3D learning

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the key elements of a quality rubric for ngss performance assessments
Develop a 3-dimensional rubric
Use a rubric to provide effective feedback and grades to students

Use a rubric to inform instructional decisions to improve students’ 3-dimensional learning
Use a rubric to cultivate a positive classroom culture around assessment
Use trends from student work to inform collaborative school or district-wide planning to improve 3d learning

Understand the key elements of a quality rubric for ngss performance assessments
Develop a 3-dimensional rubric
Use a rubric to provide effective feedback and grades to students
Use a rubric to inform instructional decisions to improve students’ 3-dimensional learning
Use a rubric to cultivate a positive classroom culture around assessment
Use trends from student work to inform collaborative school or district-wide planning to improve 3d learning

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides strategies for using rubrics as a resource in science classrooms to seamlessly integrate assessment into instruction through effective and efficient techniques

The unique structure of the rubrics supports a shift from a punitive to a meaningful and challenging performance-based approach, aimed at improving students' 3D reasoning, engagement, and sense of agency in their learning journey

Utilizes a hybrid structure that blends independent study, collaborative teamwork, and peer feedback, providing participants with diverse learning experiences and opportunities for reflection and improvement

Guided step-by-step through the development of educative rubrics designed to provide teachers and students with the information they need for equitable instructional practices

Designed for teams of educators, supporting collective learning and the implementation of best practices in science assessment across schools or districts

Taught by experienced instructors, Jill Wertheim, Cathy Zozakiewicz, and Lauren Stoll, who bring expertise and knowledge in the field of science education

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 Evaluating Student Work from Performance Assessments to Guide NGSS Teaching and Learning: Course 4 with these activities:

Review NGSS Performance Assessments

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Review the key elements of effective NGSS performance assessments to better prepare for this course.

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Define the purpose and components of NGSS performance assessments.
Identify the different types of NGSS performance assessments.
Examine exemplars of high-quality NGSS performance assessments.

Explore Online Resources on Rubrics

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Exploring online resources provides access to a wealth of information and best practices for developing and using rubrics.

Browse courses on Assessment

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Search for online resources on rubrics using keywords such as 'NGSS rubrics' or 'science performance assessment'
Explore websites and articles from reputable organizations, such as the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) or the American Educational Research Association (AERA)
Review examples of effective rubrics and identify common elements and best practices

Review NGSS Assessment Guide

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Reviewing the NGSS Assessment Guide provides a foundational understanding of the key elements of NGSS performance assessments.

View Changing Expectations for the K-12 Teacher... on Amazon

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Read the Introduction and Chapter 1: Introduction to NGSS Assessment
Explore the NGSS assessment framework
Review the Performance Expectations for your grade level and content area

Six other activities

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Connect with an Experienced Educator for Rubric Guidance

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Connecting with an experienced educator provides personalized guidance, support, and insights into effective rubric development and implementation.

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Identify an experienced educator who is knowledgeable about rubrics and assessment
Request a meeting or conversation to discuss your rubric development needs
Seek guidance and feedback on your rubrics
Implement the suggestions and strategies provided by your mentor

Collaborate with Colleagues on Rubric Development

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Collaborating with colleagues provides diverse perspectives, improves the quality of rubrics, and promotes a shared understanding of assessment expectations.

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Identify a group of colleagues who are teaching the same or similar content
Schedule regular meetings to discuss the development and use of rubrics
Share ideas, resources, and best practices
Co-develop or refine rubrics based on collective expertise
Provide feedback and support to each other on the implementation of rubrics in the classroom

Attend a Workshop on Rubric Development

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Attending a workshop provides structured guidance, expert insights, and opportunities to connect with other educators on the topic of rubric development.

Browse courses on Assessment

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Identify and register for a workshop on rubric development that aligns with your needs and interests
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities
Take notes and gather resources to support your implementation of rubrics in the classroom
Follow up with the workshop presenter or participants to continue learning and sharing best practices

Develop a Sample Rubric

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Creating a sample rubric allows you to apply your understanding of the NGSS assessment framework and develop a tool for evaluating student performance.

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Choose a Performance Expectation and create a learning goal for your students
Identify the key dimensions of the Performance Expectation and create assessment criteria
Develop scales and descriptions for each assessment criterion
Field-test your rubric with students or colleagues and collect feedback
Refine your rubric based on feedback

Practice Using Rubrics

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Practicing using rubrics enhances your ability to provide effective feedback and improve your students' understanding of the assessment criteria.

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Obtain sample student work that aligns with the Performance Expectation you are assessing
Use the rubric to score the student work
Compare your scoring with a colleague or instructor to calibrate your assessments
Reflect on your scoring and identify areas for improvement in your use of the rubric

Participate in a Rubric Design Contest

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Participating in a rubric design contest encourages innovation, promotes excellence, and provides opportunities to showcase your skills in developing effective rubrics.

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Identify and register for a rubric design contest that aligns with your expertise and interests
Develop a rubric that meets the contest criteria and demonstrates your understanding of best practices
Submit your rubric for consideration
Attend the contest or review the results to learn about winning rubrics and best practices

Career center

Learners who complete Evaluating Student Work from Performance Assessments to Guide NGSS Teaching and Learning: Course 4 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Curriculum and Instructional Design Specialist

The Curriculum and Instructional Design Specialist supports teachers in developing and implementing effective curricula and assessments. This course provides a structured approach to developing rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, Curriculum and Instructional Design Specialists can help ensure that assessments are fair, accurate, and informative. This course will also help Curriculum and Instructional Design Specialists build a foundation in 3-dimensional learning, which is essential for designing and implementing effective science instruction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum and Instructional Design Specialist

Educational Researcher

Educational Researchers design and conduct studies to improve teaching and learning. This course provides a framework for developing and using rubrics to evaluate student work from performance assessments. By understanding how to create and use rubrics, Educational Researchers can collect more accurate and reliable data on student learning. This course will also help you build a foundation in 3-dimensional learning, which is essential for understanding how students learn science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Researcher

Science Teacher

Science Teachers plan and deliver instruction in science to students. This course provides a step-by-step guide to developing and using rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, Science Teachers can ensure that assessments are fair, accurate, and informative. This course will also help Science Teachers build a foundation in 3-dimensional learning, which is essential for designing and implementing effective science instruction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

Assessment Specialist

Assessment Specialists develop and implement assessments to measure student learning. This course provides a structured approach to developing rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, Assessment Specialists can help ensure that assessments are fair, accurate, and informative. This course will also help Assessment Specialists build a foundation in 3-dimensional learning, which is essential for understanding how students learn science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Assessment Specialist

Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches support teachers in improving their teaching practice. This course provides a framework for developing and using rubrics to evaluate student work from performance assessments. By understanding how to create and use rubrics, Instructional Coaches can help teachers provide more effective feedback to students. This course will also help Instructional Coaches build a foundation in 3-dimensional learning, which is essential for understanding how students learn science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Coach

School Administrator

School Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of a school. This course provides a structured approach to developing rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, School Administrators can help ensure that assessments are fair, accurate, and informative. This course will also help School Administrators build a foundation in 3-dimensional learning, which is essential for understanding how students learn science.

See salaries and explore the career path for School Administrator

Teacher Leader

Teacher Leaders are teachers who take on leadership roles within their schools or districts. This course provides a step-by-step guide to developing and using rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, Teacher Leaders can help ensure that assessments are fair, accurate, and informative. This course will also help Teacher Leaders build a foundation in 3-dimensional learning, which is essential for designing and implementing effective science instruction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher Leader

Science Education Consultant

Science Education Consultants provide professional development to science teachers. This course provides a structured approach to developing rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, Science Education Consultants can help teachers provide more effective feedback to students. This course will also help Science Education Consultants build a foundation in 3-dimensional learning, which is essential for understanding how students learn science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Education Consultant

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational materials. This course provides a step-by-step guide to developing and using rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, Curriculum Developers can help ensure that assessments are fair, accurate, and informative. This course will also help Curriculum Developers build a foundation in 3-dimensional learning, which is essential for designing and implementing effective science instruction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers develop and deliver instruction. This course provides a structured approach to developing rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, Instructional Designers can ensure that assessments are fair, accurate, and informative. This course will also help Instructional Designers build a foundation in 3-dimensional learning, which is essential for designing and implementing effective science instruction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Science Education Researcher

Science Education Researchers conduct research to improve science education. This course provides a structured approach to developing rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, Science Education Researchers can collect more accurate and reliable data on student learning. This course will also help Science Education Researchers build a foundation in 3-dimensional learning, which is essential for understanding how students learn science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Education Researcher

Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants provide advice and support to schools and districts. This course may be useful for Educational Consultants who work with schools and districts to improve science education. The course provides a structured approach to developing rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, Educational Consultants can help schools and districts ensure that assessments are fair, accurate, and informative.

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Science Supervisor

Science Supervisors oversee science education in a school or district. This course may be useful for Science Supervisors who want to improve the quality of science assessments. The course provides a structured approach to developing rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, Science Supervisors can help ensure that assessments are fair, accurate, and informative.

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Teacher Librarian

Teacher Librarians support teachers and students in using information resources. This course may be useful for Teacher Librarians who want to learn more about assessing student learning in science. The course provides a structured approach to developing rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, Teacher Librarians can help teachers provide more effective feedback to students.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate science to the public. This course may be useful for Science Writers who want to learn more about how students learn science. The course provides a structured approach to developing rubrics for performance assessments that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). By learning how to create and use rubrics, Science Writers can gain a better understanding of how students develop scientific knowledge and skills.

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