| |
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, beginning in 2007-2008, will be accomplished through statewide assessment, as well a continuation of ongoing local and classroom assessments. Professional development through the Vermont Professional Development Network in Science will 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., 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.
|
| |
NECAP Science Test Administration Window for Spring 2010
The NECAP Science Assessment for all publicly funded students in grades 4, 8 and 11 will be given Monday, May 10 through Thursday, May 27, 2010. All materials will be picked up from schools on Friday, May 28, 2010. Detailed information will be provided at a later date.
Vermont Professional Development Network (VPDN) Meeting Schedule for Fall 2009: Science
VPDN science meetings for Fall 2009 have been completed.
ARRA: Content-based Grant Programs for Title IID - Enhancing Education Through Technology for 2009-2010 in Arts, Health, Literacy, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies & World Languages (Added 9/16/09)
The grants are set up for a variety of funding amounts and are targeted specifically at classroom teachers. This is a Title IID program and eligibility requirements are in place for those schools wishing to apply.
Vermont Professional Development Network (VPDN) Wiki Link
Use this link to access the department's portal to the literacy, math, and science wikis that are used for planning and storing materials for the VPDN meetings. The content of VPDN meetings includes addressing Vermont’s Grade Expectations through local and state assessment, modeling effective instructional strategies, implementing 21st century skills and technology, and providing opportunities for teachers to learn and network together. The VPDN materials are available for viewing and downloading. NOTE: Pages are not open for commenting.
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)
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
Step-by-step instructions for viewing instructional practice charts, instructional content charts, standards and assessments, and teacher data.
- Survey "How To" Guide
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.
|