Purpose
Oregon’s Statewide Science Assessments include computer-based assessments at grades 5, 8, and high school, as well as local performance assessments at grades K-High School.
Oregon’s Science Assessment Content and Structure
Oregon’s Science Assessment Blueprints
- OSAS Science Assessment Blueprint Summary for 2018-2019 Provides information for Oregon teachers about the number of items and the content to be assessed on the Oregon Science Assessment
- OLD OAKS Science Assessment Specifications for 2017-2018
Provides information for Oregon teachers about the number of items and the content to be assessed on the OAKS Science Assessment
- Achievement Standards (cut scores)
This reference document shows the achievement standards for Oregon’s Statewide Assessments by content are and grade/benchmark level
- Achievement Level Descriptors (coming soon)
- Grade 5
- Grade 8
- High School
This document contains target descriptions, evidence required, and range achievement level descriptors
Oregon’s Science Assessment
- OSAS Science Assessment Item Specifications
This document contains specifications for writing science assessment items aligned to the 2014 Oregon Science Standards (NGSS) based on the Framework for K-12 Science Education. The document is not intended to replace the standards, but to present guidelines for the development of items used to measure the standards.
- Item Type Tutorials List
Item type tutorials show users how to navigate the items and tools available while taking an online assessment. While testing, item type tutorials are accessible to students throughout the assessment.
- Sample Test Portal
Sample tests provide students and teachers with a preview of test items to gain familiarity with item types as well as the functionality of features on the computer-based test.
- OSAS Science Sample Test Scoring Guide
Science Sample Test on the OSAS Portal
Scoring Guides for sample tests can help teachers understand how test items will be scored on the Oregon Science Test.
Local Performance Assessment Requirement
In Oregon, the Local Performance Assessment Requirement states that school districts shall administer one or more performance assessment each year to all students in grades 3 through 8 and in high school in: mathematics, scientific inquiry, speaking, and writing.
Performance assessments must be a standardized measure (e.g., activity, exercise, problem, or work sample scored by a common scoring instrument, such as the official state scoring guides or another scoring guide adopted by the district) that is embedded in the school curriculum and evaluates the application of students’ knowledge and skills. Work Samples, scored using the official state scoring guide, are just one example of acceptable performance assessments. Districts have substantial flexibility when it comes to planning the performance assessments that will be used to fulfill this requirement.
Scoring Guides
Support Documents
Model Scientific Inquiry High School Student Template
Scored Student Work
- Student Work
Student work scored using the state Scoring Guide
Resources
For more information about Oregon's Science Assessment, please contact Noelle Gorbett at 503-947-5928.