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 Test Specification & Blueprints

Oregon’s Science Assessment Blueprints

OSAS Science Assessment Blueprint Summary for 2019-2020 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 OSAS Science Assessment
Achievem ent 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 Resources

OSAS Science Parent Information Sheet (Coming Soon)
Simulation Item Example
Video of a simulation within a task item type
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.

Essential Skills and Local Performance Assessment Manual
This reference document describes the requirements for Local Performance Assessment administration.
2014 Oregon Science Standards aligned performance task resources (coming soon)
Examples of 3-dimensional tasks aligned to 2014 Oregon Science Standards
Scientific Inquiry and Engineering Design Examples
Examples of well-defined questions and problems

Scoring Guides

2014 Oregon Science Standards scoring guides (coming soon)
Scientific Inquiry and Engineering Design Scoring Guides
Includes State Scoring Guides and Student Language versions in Spanish and English

Support Documents

Model Scientific Inquiry High School Student Template

Grades K-3: The Engineering Design Process Poster/Handout
Grades K-3: The Engineering Design Process Poster/Handout Template
Grades K-3: The Engineering Design Notebook Template Instructions
Grades K-3: The Engineering Design Notebook Template
Grades 4-5: The Engineering Design Process Poster/Handout
Grades 4-5: The Engineering Design Process Poster/Handout Template
Grades 4-5: The Engineering Design Notebook Template Instructions
Grades 4-5: The Engineering Design Notebook Template
Grades 6-8: The Engineering Design Process Poster/Handout
Grades 6-8: The Engineering Design Notebook Instructions
Grades 6-8: The Engineering Design Notebook Student Template
High School: The Engineering Design Process Poster/Handout
High School: The Engineering Design Notebook Instructions
High School: The Engineering Design Notebook Student Template
Secondary Sample Student Language Engineering Design Scoring Template: PDF | MS Word document
This document represents one good approach for assisting students in developing a work sample using engineering design. Many other approaches are also possible. This template has been successfully used by several teachers in Oregon to help students produce Engineering Design Work Samples.
Model Scientific Inquiry Student Feedback Forms

Scored Student Work

Student Work
Student work scored using the state Scoring Guide

Resources

Communication and Professional Development Resources

Communication

Coming Soon

Professional Development

Coming Soon

Science Standards and Curriculum Webpage

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