Next Generation Assessment: Science

WestEd offers customized expert assistance designing and developing comprehensive next generation science assessment systems.

We are a recognized leader in the development of next-generation assessments, working directly with individual states, or with cross-state groups, to develop next-generation science assessments that are informed by principles of assessment design and reflect local needs, emphases, and interpretations.

Our dedicated and versatile team of science content, instruction, and assessment specialists work with you to offer evidence-based approaches customized to each client’s context and needs.

Who Will Benefit

• National, State, and District Leaders responsible for standards and/or assessment
• States, Districts, and Schools considering, or in the process of, designing and/or developing new science assessments aligned to state-specific science standards and/or the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
• Nonprofit Organizations in need of technical support for the design and/or development of new science assessments

Service Details

WestEd takes an evidence-based approach to all stages of development, to ensure that the assessments are valid, fair, and reliable measures of students’ science knowledge and abilities.

We facilitate an iterative, multiple-stage process, with policymakers and education interest holders, to gather input in order to develop a customized solution for a comprehensive science assessment system. Both online and paper-and-pencil assessments can be designed and developed.

In addition to facilitating needed collaboration throughout the process, WestEd helps to engage education leaders in the design, development, and support of the new science assessments.

Our process includes development of key documents such as assessment frameworks and item specifications; innovative item design and prototyping; and item development.

Custom Services

Our services are customized to each client’s context and needs. We work with clients in the collaborative design and development of next-generation science assessments, serving as a thought partner to realize the shared vision of a science assessment informed by the principles of assessment design.

Through symposiums and focus groups, pilot and field tests, and summit meetings, our team helps clients engage interest holders and make informed decisions about the usefulness of particular decisions and assessments for measuring student progress in science content.

What Makes This Service Unique

Our team has deep instructional and assessment expertise, as well as extensive experience working with federal, state, and local education agencies, and nonprofits (e.g., Council of Chief State School Officers, The College Board), in designing and implementing comprehensive assessment systems.

We develop prototypes and documentation based on the needs and expectations from clients, then facilitates iterative cycles to fine-tune the documentation while staying true to industry expectations.

WestEd’s work in science assessment design is informed by educational and industry research standards and best practices, as well as seminal resources related to Next-Generation Science Standards:

• National Research Council (NRC)’s A Framework for K–12 Science Education: Practices, Crosscutting Concepts, and Core Ideas (NRC, 2012)
• Next Generation Science Standards: For States, by States (NGSS Lead States, 2013)
• NRC Board on Testing and Assessment (BOTA)’s report Developing Assessments for the Next Generation Science Standards (NRC, 2014)

WestEd also adheres to the research standards established by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Our next-generation science assessment team has provided the following services:

• CCSSO Science Assessment Item Collaborative: Facilitated input and needs from 15 collaborative members to develop NGSS Assessment Framework, Item Specifications Guidelines, and NGSS item cluster prototypes. These documents can be accessed at the CSAI Science Assessment Item Collaborative spotlight page.
• Washington, Delaware, Louisiana, South Dakota, Kentucky, Arizona: Design and/or development of assessments and assessment systems for the state’s three-dimensional science standards
• College Board: Development of formative assessment items for new AP Insight products (AP Biology; AP Chemistry)

Cost

Cost varies depending on the scope of work and needs of the client. Cost is affected by the degrees of technical support, meetings, and travel needed.

Learn More

To learn more, contact Kevin King at 435.655.1229 or [email protected].