Assessment

New CoAlt Science and Social Studies Assessment
(scheduled to be administered 2014)

		Mira Monroe Special Education Principal Consultant Assessment Unit (303) 866-6709 monroe_m@cde.state.co.us
		Relevant Websites Educator Pool PearsonAccess

Sample CoAlt Science and Social Studies Items Released

Sample items for the revised CoAlt Science and Social Studies assessments are available. These items are representative of item types that will be field tested this spring.  The CoAlt Field Test Examiners Manual is also available on the page linked above. These materials are for the revised CoAlt Science and Social Studies assessments, and not for the current CoAlt.

Changes from Previous Years

The 2013 CoAlt Science and Social Studies Field Test has several changes from the current CoAlt assessment.

■ The student is presented with three answer options rather than four.

■ The student will work with the test item until they provide the correct answer or the maximum number of
    attempts is reached.

■ The scoring rubric incorporates the level of independence and answer, which will no longer be collected as
    two separate score points.

■ CoAlt Field Test Examiners may not reword prompts, but must follow the script exactly as written.

■ A cue for the student to engage is included as the additional prompt, and will no longer need to be created
    by the CoAlt Field Test Examiner.

■ CoAlt Field Test Examiners may mark student scores on the score recording form or in the test book, but
    final student scores must be entered online via PearsonAccess.

New Test Books

The pages of the CoAlt field test books are oriented so that the CoAlt Field Test Examiner must administer the test while facing the student. The test book includes scripted text for the CoAlt Field Test Examiner to read aloud to the student.

New Item Types

Selected Response items present three answer options from which the student selects an answer to the question presented.

Supported Performance Tasks require the student to manipulate option cards in order to respond to three related prompts for each item. Students use the option cards to complete a chart or graphic. This new item type allows more interaction between the student and the assessment.

PearsonAccess Trainings are open to all districts, with invitations sent to District Assessment Coordinators (DACs). Districts participating in Spring Field Testing must attend appropriate sessions as indicated on the table below. Other districts may attend at their own discretion. Recordings of each training will be available on the PearsonAccess website a few days after the last WebEx date.  Spring 2013 Training Dates

 

CoAlt Draft Frameworks

CDE is currently reviewing feedback received from the field.

Draft Science Frameworks (pdf)

Draft Social Studies Frameworks (pdf)

 

Invitation to be included in the Educator Pool

more information

If you are interested in participating in assessment development committees, please click on the following link to access the database questionnaire. Educator Database

High School Social Studies and Science Assessment Administration

more information

With careful consideration of responses from districts, it has been determined that contingent upon legislative approval, the science and social studies assessments will be administered to high school students in the fall of 12^th grade.  While this response was the most favored by respondents, CDE is aware that issues and concerns surrounding this plan exist. 

The timing of high school assessment administration is a complicated issue that elicits many unique perspectives.  While the selected administration plan is not without limitations, it provides an avenue whereby districts are provided with flexibility in determining scope and sequencing for science and social studies and whereby the testing burden will be decreased for 11^th graders.