CoAlt Revision Framework Feedback

Science and Social Studies Frameworks for the Colorado Alternate Assessment
Based on the Extended Evidence Outcomes of the Colorado Academic Standards

Colorado’s new science and social studies alternate assessments are scheduled to begin in the spring of 2014. The alternate assessment is for students with significant cognitive disability whose IEP team has determined they meet the qualification criteria. These assessments will be designed to measure Colorado students’ scientific understanding and abilities in each of the three science standards (Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth Science) and the four social studies standards (History, Geography, Economics and Civics) found in the Extended Evidence Outcomes (EEOs) of the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS).

For each of the standards, items will be developed to measure students’ understanding and abilities at the level of the EEOs under the corresponding Grade Level Expectation. Please keep in mind that in line with the CAS, the frameworks for elementary and middle grades are grade level specific while the frameworks for high school are not. The concepts and skills in the CAS build across the years such that lower years’ standards are reflected in the standards for subsequent years. Due to this progression, concept and skill retention from previous years is inherent and will be expected. Therefore, it is important for students in all grades to have access to science and social studies concepts that build toward mastery.

The frameworks for these assessments prescribe the percent representation of each of the three standard areas (Physical Science, Life Science, and Earth Science) for science and the four standard areas (History, Geography, Economics and Civics) for social studies as reflected in the assigned number of score points. Currently, all of the EEOs are represented in the frameworks.

The proposed frameworks, as well as feedback questionnaires for science and social studies, can be accessed by clicking on the links below. The questionnaire solicits feedback in two main areas: 1) the percent distribution of points; and 2) the appropriateness of the inclusion of all of the EEOs. Please use the questionnaire to provide feedback by Friday, January 18, 2013. Feedback received will inform refinements of the assessment framework. Final assessment frameworks that include feedback from the field are expected to be released in late February.

For more information about the science and social studies frameworks for the Colorado Alternate Assessments, contact Mira Monroe at monroe_m@cde.state.co.us.

Science

• Proposed Science Alternate Assessment Framework
• Provide Feedback on Science Alternate Assessment Framework

Social Studies

• Proposed Social Studies Alternate Assessment Framework
• Provide Feedback on Social Studies Alternate Assessment Framework