EdCo 534 Benchmark exam

Evolution Benchmark Exam:

Evolution Benchmark Exam EdCo 534 Michelle Zides Dr. Martin Spring 2011

Purpose of the Exam:

Purpose of the Exam Assess students knowledge on specific subject area Prepare for the CA Science Standards Test Gather data on students performance on standardized achievement exam

Content of Assessment:

Content of Assessment Most benchmark exams are from 30-40 questions Multiple Choice exam (a, b, c, or d choices) Content is based off of released questions from CA Science Standards Test related to a specific topic (ex. Evolution)

Example of Content:

Example of Content

Administration of Exam:

Administration of Exam Benchmarks are administered by classroom teachers Class sizes are approximately 35 students Classrooms are quiet during exam with no interruptions Students have one class period to complete exam (approximately 45 minutes)

Results:

Results Students are scored by how many questions that get right Each question is worth one point Based on overall scores from all classes a curve may occur Exams are 30% of overall grade

Example of Results:

Example of Results

Other Assessments:

Other Assessments A notebook/portfolio is also turned in on an assessment day Portfolios consist of all work completed during the unit including notes, bellworks, handouts, labs, and study guides This assessment is 10% of overall grade

Slide 9:

TEST REVIEW FORM Name of Reviewer : Michelle Zides Title of Test : Evolution Benchmark Exam Author : TVUSD/CHS Science Teachers with Exam Pro software Publisher : TVUSD Date : Spring 2011 Purpose of Test : To assess students knowledge and mastery of science standards 7a-d and 8a-e of the California State Science Standards. Also used for grading a student in their current Biology class.

Slide 10:

Development: Standardization: This is a formal standardized achievement test. We test a large group of students broken into classrooms. There are parallel forms of the test given to ensure security of the exam. Test questions are chosen from a given set of general questions approved from the released set of test questions from the California Science Standards test. Reliability: After each benchmark exam all teachers collaborate and evaluate results to show that the test has been dependable, consistent, and stable. If error is found a curve is enforced that is agreed upon by all teachers. This occurs if we notice a consistency in students missing the same question in many different classes. If this occurs test question will be reviewed, changed, or omitted as needed. Validity: Benchmark exams have proven to be valid over repeated testing. Benchmark exams assess the student on what is intended to be assessed; their knowledge of content material. This is face validity. Administration: Individual classroom teachers administer Benchmark exams. Students are given one class period to complete test. Students with modifications or accommodations may be given extra time depending on their own needs. Interpretation of Scoring: Tests are scored using a standard scantron machine. Each question is worth one point. Students earn a grade according to amount of questions answered correctly. Student grade is lowered one letter grade at 10% intervals. Limitations: Due to difficulty with science language and vocabulary, English language learners may have difficulty with test due to language barriers Age: 14-19 Grade: High School Strengths: Test is created directly from California Science Standards to ensure proficiency of students for the upcoming State tests in April.

References:

References Special thanks to my fourth period Biology class for allowing me to record my video during their exam.