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PROGRAMS
& SERVICES:
CURRICULUM
& ASSESSMENT:
SCIENCE
(Updated 5/9/12)
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OVERVIEW
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Science education in Vermont is currently centered on the new Science Grade Expectations, which are anchored to the Vermont Framework of Standards & Learning Opportunities. (See NOTE) The domains of science addressed by these documents include Inquiry, Physical Science, Life Science the Human Body and Earth/Space Science. Assessment of student understanding of these domains is accomplished through statewide assessment, as well a continuation of ongoing local and classroom assessments. Professional development through the Vermont Professional Development Network in Science guide teachers to establish connections between the Science Grade Expectations and these assessment strategies.
Use the links below to view information about:
- Grade Expectations
- New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Resources (e.g., released test items, practice tests, administration manuals, workshop materials, etc.)
- Other Resources (e.g., NECAP data analysis materials, educator CD resources, MSP, NAEP, the Blueprint, standards, etc.)
NOTE: Both the Word and PDF versions of the Framework document now include the revised science standard 7:16.
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LINKS
TO CURRENTLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION
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UPDATE: Next Generation Science Standards
Development of the national Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) is proceeding. Here is a summary of the collaborative process involving Vermont educators and business and engineering participants. Completed standards are due to be released in early 2013.
If you have questions regarding NGSS, please contact Kathy Renfrew or Gail Hall. |
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2012 NECAP Science Test Administration Recorded Webinar
Science NECAP Assessments for grades 4, 8 & 11 will be May 7-24, 2012, with pickup on May 25, 2012. For those test administrators and other interested parties who were unable to attend the online webinar of the Spring, 2012 NECAP Science Assessment, there is another opportunity to view the recorded hour long webinar. Also in preparation for the assessment, the three Test Administrator Manuals for grades 4, 8 and 11 are listed below.
| Test Administrator Manuals for Science: |
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Real World Design Challenge 2012 Vermont Winners
Vermont’s State Champions in the Real World Design Challenge spent last weekend in Washington, D.C. competing against 28 other state teams for the National championship. The National challenge this year was to design an efficient, low-carbon-emission and environmentally friendly personal light sport aircraft. MACH 8, the state team from South Burlington High School, presented their design and technical documentation to a panel of judges representing government, industry, and higher education. While they did not take the final championship, the team finished strong and was very proud of their final design. Steve Barner, teacher and coach for MACH 8, provided substantial support for the team throughout the fall and winter.
The students, Neel Desai, Jonathan Girard, Austin Goddard, Neharika Khandavalli, Fathima Sameen, Vishnu Premsankar and Raihan Kabir gave an amazing presentation on their aviation design for a panel of judges on Saturday morning. In the end, Kansas was crowned the national champion. Please check out the Real World Design Challenge website for information on next years challenge. |
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NECAP Science Test Webinar OSL
This one hour NECAP Science Webinar features staff from Measured Progress (the testing contractor) presenting detailed information about the administration of the NECAP Science Assessment. This is a good opportunity for test coordinators and teachers who will be administrating this assessment in grades four, eight and eleven to review the assessment. For teachers in grades 4 and 8, there will be directions in presenting the inquiry tasks, and what they might need to prepare for the tasks before hand. Missed the webinar? Watch the NECAP Science Webinar. |
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NECAP Assessment Results
The NECAP reading, writing, mathematics and science tests measure students’ academic knowledge and skills relative to Grade Expectations which were developed by teams of teachers from Vermont, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. View the most recent data reports.
NECAP Resources
Use this link for information and links to practices tests, released test items, manuals and workshop materials for reading, writing, mathematics and science, as well as other resources such as tip sheets, hundreds tables, multiplication charts, scoring guides, alignment charts, target documents, test taking strategies, unifying themes, etc.
NECAP Science Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) PDF
As a result of educators' questions during the Fall 2008 Science Network meeting regarding NECAP Science concerns, this FAQ was created. This information may be helpful in your discussions with educators and community members about NECAP Science.
Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) Grant Program
The goals of the MSP are: 1) to increase the academic achievement of students in mathematics and science by enhancing the content knowledge and teaching skills of classroom teachers; 2) to build statewide capacity for professional development of K-12 staff by establishing networks of highly skilled teacher leaders in mathematics and science; and 3) to develop partnerships among K-12 educators, STEM faculty, and higher education personnel. Funds from the MSP are currently being used to support high quality professional development programs in Vermont. Three-year MSP projects funded for 2009-2010 include:
Surveys of Enacted Curriculum (SEC) Facilitator Toolkit
The SEC are practical, efficient tools for obtaining classroom data about math, science or literacy teaching. Online surveys completed by teachers produce visual maps of instruction that can be compared to the Vermont Grade Expectations. The surveys can also provide instructional data to investigate in relation to NECAP results. The following materials are provided to help facilitators develop understanding of the Survey content, levels of cognitive complexity, and data analysis:
- Instructions for Viewing Data PDF
Step-by-step instructions for viewing instructional practice charts, instructional content charts, standards and assessments, and teacher data.
- Survey "How To" Guide PDF
View instructions for registering, returning to an incomplete survey, participating in another content area survey, taking a post-SEC survey, what to do if you forget your user name and password.
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CONTACT
INFORMATION
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Gail Hall, Science Assessment Coordinator
(802) 828-0156 (P)
(802) 828-6563 (F)
gail.hall@state.vt.us
Kathy Renfrew, Science Assessment Coordinator
(802) 828-6561 (P)
(802) 828-6563 (F)
kathy.renfrew@state.vt.us |
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Science Content Area:
Grade Expectations | Other Resources
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