In response to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), Systems for State Science Assessment explores the ideas and tools that are needed to assess science learning at the state level. This book provides a detailed examination of K-12 science assessment: looking specifically at what should be measured and how to measure it.

Along with reading and mathematics, the testing of science is a key component of NCLB—it is part of the national effort to establish challenging academic content standards and develop the tools to measure student progress toward higher achievement. The book will be a critical resource for states that are designing and implementing science assessments to meet the 2007-2008 requirements of NCLB.

In addition to offering important information for states, Systems for State Science Assessment provides policy makers, local schools, teachers, scientists, and parents with a broad view of the role of testing and assessment in science education.

• Front Matter
• Executive Summary
• 1 Introduction
• 2 A Systems Approach to Assessment
• 3 Science Literacy: Implications for Assessment
• 4 The Centrality of Standards
• 5 Designing Science Assessment
• 6 Implementation and Support
• 7 Issues of Equity and Adequacy
• 8 Evaluation and Monitoring
• 9 Supporting the Design, Implementation, and Evaluation of State Science Assessment Systems
• References
• Appendix A Practical Tips
• Appendix B Background Papers
• Appendix C Biographical Sketches of Committee, Staff, and Working Group Members
• Index