District-wide science benchmark assessments serve to:
- assess students’ understanding of science concepts in relation to the California Science Content Standards.
- provide cumulative assessments of student proficiency relative to instructional units.
- support data-informed planning and delivery of instruction.
- identify growth areas for professional development.
To support teachers in monitoring students towards grade level standards, benchmark assessments will be given to each student in grades 3-5 after each trimester (12 weeks) of instruction. Each benchmark assessment will be based on learning during the implementation of the FOSS module and the California State Standards in Earth Science, Physical Science, and Life Science. In addition, teachers will regularly collect a body of evidence for each student based on the Profiles of Proficiency that will be used to determine a marking for the Standards Based Report Card.
All students in grade 5 will be given the California Standards Test in Science.
Elementary Science Benchmarks are now available online! Physical science benchmarks can be found on the SBRC eteams website. This site is password protected.
Click here: https://eteams.sandi.net/sites/sbrc
How to Sign-in: User Name: sdcs\your district Employee ID# Password: your district password (same used to access email)
How to Access Physical Science Benchmarks: Click on Science on the left hand side of the screen; Click on the "Science Benchmarks" folder; Click on the grade specific benchmark to download. (Directions for administering and a Teacher Answer Key are included in a separate document, also available for download.)
- Grades 3-5 Benchmarks Assessments
Earth Science
Traditional: November 17-21, 2008
Year-Round: November 17-21, 2008
Physical Science
Traditional: February 23-27, 2009
Year-Round: March 16-20, 2009
Life Science
Tradition: June 8-12, 2009
Year-Round: July 6-10, 2009 - SBRC Support (on SharePoint)
- SharePoint Access Instructions
- Analyzing Data from Benchmark Assessments
To support middle school teachers in monitoring students towards grade level standards, benchmark assessments will be available in grades 6 and 7 for administration to students. Each benchmark assessment will be based on learning during the implementation of the Units of Study provided. In addition, teachers in grade 8 will be required to administer an end of course assessement to each of their students.
All students in grade 8 will be given the California Standards Test in Science.
- Grade 6 Benchmark Assessments
Optional 2008-09 - Grade 7 Benchmark Assessments
Optional 2008-09 - Grade 8 End of Course Assessment
Administration: June 1-June 15, 2009