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Science Assessment

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 Blueprints

  • 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
  • OSAS Science Assessment Blueprint for 2018-2019 (coming soon)
    • Grade 5/Grade 8/High School
    Provides information for Oregon teachers about the number of items and the content to be assessed on the Oregon 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

  • OSAS Science Assessment Item Specifications (coming soon)
    • 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 New Item Type Training Test Scoring Guide
    • Grade 5/Grade 8/High School
    Scoring Guides for sample tests can help teachers understand how test items will be scored on the Oregon Science Test.

​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

 

​Communication

  • Oregon Science Teacher Update
    The Oregon Science Teacher Update provides information about promising practices, professional development opportunities, useful links, and Science assessment information.

Professional Development

  • Coming Soon

 

 

For more information about Oregon's Science Assessment, please contact Noelle Gorbett at 503-947-5928.

 

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