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SCASS Kick-Off Conference

Changing Mindsets Towards Equitable Practices

September 15, 2022

https://bit.ly/SCASS2022

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Welcome and Introductions

What is SCAS²?
Mission
SCAS² Board
Membership

Website: https://scas2.org

Twitter: @ca_SCAS2 #scas2

Other Partners

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John Lazarcik

Christie Pearce

Maria Simani

Mariano Aranda

Yamileth Shimojyo

Anthony Quan

John Spiegel

Julie Roney

Chelsea Cochrane

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Welcome Activity

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Agenda

3:30 Welcome
3:45 Connections to Equity Work
4:15 Assessment Discussion
4:45 Statewide Updates
4:50 Closing and Survey
5:00 End Meeting

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Connecting Back To Our Ongoing Equity Work

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Critical & Cultural Ambitious Science Teaching��

Jessica Thompson

University of Washington

Kirsten Mawyer

University of Hawaiʻi

Co-author of AST

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Ambitious teaching is supported by four sets of core practices that work together throughout every unit of study.

This instructional model is also recommended in Chapter 11 of CA Science Framework (2016)

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C2AST Recap

Principle 1. Recognizing our own and other’s worlds and developing critical consciousness

Principle 2. Learning and prioritizing students’ communities and cultures

Principle 3. Designing for each student’s full participation in the culture of science

Principle 4. Challenging the culture of science through social and restorative justice

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C2AST Recap

C2AST centers science learning and attends to real world phenomena through issues of consequential concern;

Justice & Cultural Significance
Relational & Collective Well-being
Futurity and Ecological Caring

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C2AST Recap

Critically and Culturally Ambitious Science Educators ask themselves:

How can I create emotionally and intellectually safe spaces for students to question racial injustice in science and science classrooms?
How can I support social and restorative justice?
How do I attend to, leverage, and sustain language, race, and culture when designing engaging and inclusive curriculum with historically marginalized students?

Use this Padlet to answer the blue questions.

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Eight Common Competencies of Culturally Responsive Educators

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CRT Competencies

1. Reflect on one's cultural lens

2. Recognize and redress bias in the system

3. Draw on students’ culture to shape curriculum and instruction and assessment

4. Bring real-world issues into the classroom

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Next Steps

This resource is intended to support the reflective practice and ongoing learning of culturally responsive teachers. It can help teachers assess their personal strengths and develop a plan to sharpen their practice. Additionally, this guide can and should be used by those who support teachers.

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CA Coherent Assessment System

Driving questions:

What is already present in your system?
What is missing?
How can you be culturally and linguistically mindful when developing assessments?
What questions do you have?

Use this Padlet to answer the yellow questions.

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CA Coherent Assessment System

Strong Formative Assessment

CA Science Framework (2016) - Chapter 9

Many different kinds of assessments make up a coherent system, and each provides different levels of information about student learning, from one performance expectation in a formative assessment to assessing knowledge across all the performance expectations in a grade band in the CAST.
During short cycle assessments, students might reflect on their performance related to a daily learning goal. Short cycle assessments, such as minute-to-minute or daily and weekly formative assessments, might include strategies such as thumbs up/thumbs down, whiteboard responses, or exit tickets to demonstrate understanding. The science resources in Tools for Teachers provide examples of these short cycle assessments.
Medium cycle assessments allow teachers to identify students’ strengths and areas for growth. Educators might look for a pattern of understanding about groups of performance expectations amongst students using assessments such as performance tasks, unit tests, or interim assessments.
Large-scale, summative assessments, such as the CAST, measure student understanding of the range of the CA NGSS and are standardized for students across the entire state. Summative assessments cover broader sets of performance expectations and are administered over longer cycles, such as annually.
All assessments within the coherent assessment system should collectively help educators gather evidence about the same set of learning goals for students, by providing evidence of various “grain sizes” within the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards related to the learning goals.

Formative and interim assessments measure smaller chunks of the three-dimensional performance expectations of the CA NGSS, and provide short and medium cycle feedback and rapid actionable data that teachers can use to adjust learning strategies and improve students’ attainment of the learning goals in the classroom.
As a summative assessment, the CAST measures the breadth of the CA NGSS for the related grade band and provides a reference point for educators to see how their students are progressing in their science learning over years. Since it is a standardized test taken by all students across the state, it also takes a little longer to attain results, but it can be used to help classrooms, schools, and districts identify strengths and areas for growth.
The CAST is one piece of the bigger picture of what students know and can do in science. Combined with the other pieces in the coherent assessment system, it provides a complete picture of student progress to help teachers and students improve their learning minute-to-minute, day-by-day, and year over year.

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Formative Assessment Science Resources for K-12

Short instructional segment that includes multiple formative assessment strategies
Focus on phenomena
Align with a CA NGSS Performance Expectation
Integrate Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts

Tools for Teachers website: https://smartertoolsforteachers.org

Full access to Tools for Teachers requires an account, which LEA staff can obtain either through the self-registration process or through their district/county LEA CAASPP coordinator.

For non-LEA educators, email the California Outreach Team at CalOutreach@ets.org and mention that you work with pre-service and new teachers.

Starting in March 2020, the California Department of Education began collaborating with California science educators to develop CAST K-12 formative assessment science resources to be included on the Tools for Teachers website.

These resources:

focus on phenomena
align with the three dimensions of the California Next Generation Science Standards, or CA NGSS
Integrate Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts, and
Include multiple formative assessment strategies to provide minute-to-minute and daily feedback on student learning

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CA Coherent Assessment System

CAST

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CAST Available Resources

Practice and Training Test

Scoring Guides
Annotated Examples

Range Achievement Level Descriptors

CAST CAASPP website: https://www.caaspp.org/administration/about/science/

The department has other resources available to educators to assist them in preparing their students for taking the CAST.

There are practice and training tests that can be accessed on CAASPP.org. The CAST practice tests mimic the operational assessment and are helpful for reviewing the depth and breadth of the CAST content, and the training tests can be used for students and teachers to familiarize themselves with the different item types on the CAST.

To accompany the CAST practice tests, the department offers scoring guides for each of the grade bands (grades five and eight and high school). The scoring guides provide information about the correct answers, the different CAST item types, sample student responses and rubrics for short answer, or constructed response, items, as well as related information about the standards being assessed.
Also available are the CAST Practice Test Constructed Response Annotated Examples for selected constructed response questions from the practice tests. These annotated examples offer actual student responses for each of the score points, along with descriptive annotations that are intended to assist educators in better understanding how to help their students do well on CAST constructed response items. They can also be very useful in developing questions and rubrics for classroom assessments!

Finally, we have the grade-specific range achievement level descriptors, which are detailed descriptions of observable evidence of student performance by grade level and content. The range achievement level descriptors describe how a student’s knowledge, skills, and abilities change and become more advanced across the achievement levels. We have these available on our website as well!

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CAST Item Specifications

For item writers

Ensure the item aligns with the claims made by the Performance Expectation (PE).
Provide paths for developing multidimensional items.

For educators

Clarify the three-dimensional nature of the assessment.
Provide paths for developing items for formative and summative use in classrooms.

https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/castitemspecs.asp

The department also has CAST Item Content Specifications available for educators. Item specifications provide details on each assessed dimension of a CA NGSS Performance Expectation, including the Science and Engineering Practice, Disciplinary Core Idea, and Crosscutting Concept.
Originally, the item specifications were developed for use by item writers to ensure the item alignment.
We soon discovered that teachers wanted access to them for use in developing items for interim, benchmark, and summative assessments in their classrooms because they provide useful examples of assessable tasks that incorporate all three dimensions in assessment.
We have item specs written for all 175 performance expectations, 45 in grade five, 59 in grade eight, and 71 in high school.
These item content specifications are organized by grade and science domain and can be downloaded individually or by domain. We have posted them on the California Department of Education’s website for easy access.

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Accessibility List for 21-22 Testing

Accessibility Graphic for Science - CAASPP (CA Dept of Education)

https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/documents/scienceresources.pdf

Accessibility Resources Demonstration Videos

https://www.caaspp.org/training/caaspp/uaag.html

CA Assessment Accessibility Resources Matrix

https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/accessibilityresources.asp

The CAASPP System provides a full range of assessment accessibility resources for all students. These resources ensure that the assessments meet the needs of all students. The California Student Assessment Accessibility Graphic for Science, listing all the available resources on the CAST, can be found on the CDE's Student Accessibility Resources webpage.

The training and practice tests contain all the accessibility resources available on the operational assessment, so students and teachers can familiarize themselves with the functionality of the test.
Some resources are embedded into the technology platform for the computer-administered CAASPP tests, such as a calculator or highlighter. Other resources are non-embedded, such as access to a printed multiplication table or scratch paper. The following list defines the four different categories of student accessibility resources:
Universal tools are available to all students on the basis of student preference and selection. These include a periodic table and reference sheet in middle and high school, and an English glossary for some terms.
Designated supports are available to all students when determined for use by an educator or team of educators with parent/guardian and student input, as appropriate. Designated supports include text to speech, read aloud, and masking.
Accommodations must be permitted on CAASPP tests to all eligible students if specified in the student’s IEP or Section 504 plan. Accommodations include braille and large print forms.
Unlisted resources are non-embedded and shall be made available if specified in the eligible student’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 plan and only on approval by the California Department of Education (CDE)

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CA Coherent Assessment System

CA NGSS Professional Learning #2 (starting Fall 2022)

and CA NGSS Assessment Toolkit (coming Spring 2023)

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For questions or more information, please contact Crystal Howe at crystal.howe@sdcoe.net

All PLs will be virtual via Zoom:

November 8-9, 2022 / 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
January 10, 17, 24, 31 - 2023 / 4:00 - 7:00 pm
March 1-2, 2023 / 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

In grade band (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) sessions:

Experience and unpack student-centered 3D classroom assessments
Analyze your system of assessments continuum
Evaluate tools and resources to improve your system

SAVE THE DATES Registration link coming soon!

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3-Part CAST Academy

CAST Academy: A 3-Part Learning Series to Support Science Instruction and the California Science Test (CAST) - Flyer

In collaboration with California State University Northridge and the California Science Project, participants will deepen their understanding of how the CAST is designed, review science assessment data, identify resources to support high-quality teaching and learning in science instruction, learn how to use science performance tasks to support student learning all year long, and much, much, more!

Participants may choose which session to attend for each of the 3 parts:

Part 1: September 20 or 21, 2022 from 4:30-5:30 pm
Part 2: September 27 or 28, 2022, from 4:30-5:30 pm
Part 3: October 4 or 5, from 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Registration link: http://lacoe.k12oms.org/2582-220192

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Additional Resources

STEM Teaching Tools

Practice Brief #25: How can formative assessment support culturally responsive argumentation in a classroom community?

Practice Brief #65 Using 3D interim assessments to support coherence, equity, and a shared understanding of learning

Practice Brief #83: Steps to Designing Justice-Focused Assessments in Science

ACESSE Resource C: Making Science Instruction Compelling for All Students: Using Cultural Formative Assessment to Build on Learner Interest and Experience

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Statewide Updates

Omnibus Trailer Bills AB181 and AB185 provide funding for science professional learning (and many other things!!!!)
Extension to the 2021-2022 Educator Effectiveness Block Grants for STEM (includes Computer Science)
Next: Waiting for CDE to generate the language for the RFP 2022-2023
Get involved by:

Checking if your district got funding in the past;
Advocating for NGSS PL
Connecting with district grant writers

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SB 1383-Short-Lived Climate Pollution Reduction Law

To reduce greenhouse emissions, such as methane, and address food insecurity in CA
Requires that 20% of edible food be recovered for human consumption by 2025
Requires that jurisdictions conduct education and outreach on organics recycling.
Jurisdictions are required to translate education and outreach materials to ensure all residents and businesses can effectively participate in organics collection services.

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SCASS Meeting Survey

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SCASS Upcoming Meetings

Fall Meeting:

November 17, 2022

http://lacoe.k12oms.org/1542-221602

Spring Meeting:

March 9, 2023

http://lacoe.k12oms.org/1542-222010

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We want to hear from you?

Please add any Professional Learning opportunities to the Padlet.

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Optimistic Closure

Something I’ll do as a result of this meeting is…

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Check statewide and county specific opportunities in the slides below

Upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities in Southern California

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For questions or more information, please contact Crystal Howe at crystal.howe@sdcoe.net

All PLs will be virtual via Zoom:

November 8-9, 2022 / 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
January 10, 17, 24, 31 - 2023 / 4:00 - 7:00 pm
March 1-2, 2023 / 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

In grade band (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12) sessions:

Experience and unpack student-centered 3D classroom assessments
Analyze your system of assessments continuum
Evaluate tools and resources to improve your system

SAVE THE DATES Registration link coming soon!

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Registration Open!

PRE-CONFERENCE SCIENCE LEADERS DAY on October 13

If you are a district leader, TOSA, Science Leader or Admin who wants to gain knowledge of NGSS, join CASE for a Pre-conference Science Leaders Day!

Conference In-Person:

October 14-16 in Palm Springs

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LA County Science Leaders Network

Monthly meetings to support Science Education Leaders in LA County. Come and join in on discussions and get the latest updates!

NGSS Webinar

A series providing all stakeholders news and updates from the National, Federal, State, Regional, and Local levels.

Getting to Know NGSS: a foundations course for educators and administrators.

Computer Science Speaker Series and Teacher Opportunity:

A series of seminars with practicing USC CS Professors. An opportunity to work with the Professors and their Grad Team to develop Classroom lessons.

Click for: LACOE’s STEM Notes

Anthony Quan

STEM Science Coordinator

Quan_Anthony@lacoe.edu

562-922-6896

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Orange County

See the OCDE STEM Website for current professional learning opportunities and resources.

Upcoming Science TOSA Network Meeting:

September 28, 2022

Please contact our STEM Team to discuss customized professional learning opportunities for you and/or your districts, schools, and educators:

Christie Pearce cpearce@ocde.us

Julie Roney jroney@ocde.us

Katie Beck kbeck@ocde.us

Meredith Casalino mcasalino@ocde.us

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Riverside County Office of Education

STEM | Riverside County Office of Education

District Science Leader's Community of Practice (DSL CoP) | Riverside County Office of Education

Opportunity for Successful Science Implementation in a Post-Pandemic Climate

To obtain more information contact Kelley Ambriz via email: kambriz@rcoe.us

Lynn Figurate

Administrator, STEM Writing

Yamileth Shimojyo

Administrator, STEM/Science

Claudia Velez, Administrator, STEM/Leadership

Virtual Student STEPCon22 Register now! (4th - 12th grade)

Educator STEPCon22 Register now!

STEP Programs Information

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Santa Barbara County Office of Education

Please visit the website to search for PL opportunities:

https://www.sbceo.org/Page/20

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San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools SBCSS

Mariano Aranda,

Science Curriculum Coordinator Mariano.Aranda@sbcss.net

Science Web Page - CLICK HERE

Science: Network Meetings - CLICK HERE

Science: SIM Science and Engineering Fair - CLICK HERE

Region 10 Registration:

Garner Holt

CSU San Bernardino

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San Diego County

See ngss.sdcoe.net for resources to support your science and environmental literacy instruction!

For upcoming events:

CA Toolkit for Student-Centered Assessment PL (Spring 2023)

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Ventura county

For more information, contact Michelle Roy miroy@kern.org or

Nathan Inouye, ninouye@mrpk.org

NEW - Ventura County/Region 8 Science Leadership Hub:

Pedagogical Practices for Student-Centered Scientific Sensemaking

A new partnership between Kern CSS, Ventura COE and the California Science Project. All events are 4-7 pm and are free for school year 2022-2023.

Session 1 10/5/22 in person

Session 2 11/1/22 Virtual

Session 3 12/13/22 in person

Session 4 2/16/23 Virtual

Session 5 4/11/23 In person

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Imperial County

John Lazarcik

Kristin Wells

john.lazarcik@icoe.org

kristin.wells@icoe.org

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California Science Project

Online and In-Person Learning Opportunities:

UCI Science Project LINK
UCLA Science Project LINK
CSUN Science Project LINK
UCSD Science Project LINK

For additional professional learning programs email:

Dr. Maria C. Simani, Executive Director maria.simani@ucr.edu

https://californiascienceproject.ucr.edu/