Handouts are available below

Big Idea

When it comes to writing tests while using standards based assessment, my students need to demonstrate greater depth in their written responses in order to demonstrate greater levels of proficiency. However, because I need students to give more depth, many students now spend more time forming their responses and, thus, they are unable to finish their tests. One solution is to make the tests shorter by giving fewer questions – but, I’ve already streamlined it to the fewest questions possible. So, in the end, I decided to split my tests up. 

Episode Notes

• For tests created to assess objectives and standards (ie. Standards based grading), start by declaring which standards to assess. For example, for a chemistry test, are you planning to assess a student’s ability to analyze data and/or to write an argument? What about other standards? 

• Then, decide on how you’ll go about assessing the standard on the test. Will you use multiple choice questions or extended response questions or both? Or, will you ask students to write an essay? Aim to create a 30-40 minute task for each standard.

• Split the test into separate parts that are based on the standards. Thus, on one day, give students the part that assess one standard. Then, on the next day, give students the part that assess another standard. For example, on Monday, give students questions that assess how well students analyze data and information. Then, on Tuesday, give students an essay question that assess how well students can write an argument.
• Make sure to let students know ahead of time which standards will be assessed on which day.

Thanks for watching, and let’s talk science education again soon.

Resources

Handout(s): Ep62 Handouts – Increase Student Success in SBA by Splitting Up Your Tests

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