[CPS Science]Re: [ISTA-talk]ISBE Science PerformanceDescriptors;another point of view

[William and Joyce Fraccaro]

Scholars,

    I have received a few questions regarding the relationship between the Illinois Science Performance Descriptors, Classroom and Performance Assessments, and the ISAT.  The Science Performance Standards project now being worked on at ISBE is comprised of three aspects:

• Performance Descriptors http://www.isbe.state.il.us/ils/descriptors.htm
• 368 sets across 10 developmental stages (A-J) for each science standard
• First grade through High School
• Performance Assessments (for classroom use and currently being field tested)
• 80 classroom and performance assessments which currently cover stages B-I
• 20 classroom and performance assessments which will be developed by June for stages A and J
• Performance Exemplars (being gathered by field test teachers)
• 80 examples of student work that meets standards based upon the descriptor stages B-I
• 80 examples that exceeds standards based upon the descriptor stages B-I
• 20 examples of each that meets and exceeds for stages A and I to be developed next fall.

All of these are tools to assist educators, parents, and students in the quest to improve science instruction in Illinois.  They are not mandates like the goals and standards are currently.  They are not being used to develop ISAT test questions.  Those test items use the standards and benchmark indicators as their basis.  However, if one were familiar with the Performance Standards and used them to improve instruction....it would follow that test scores should improve.
    There are additional resources available to assist educators.  They are also intended to be tools to help improve science education.

• "Benchmarks Indicators" http://www.isbe.state.il.us/ils/benchmarking/indicatorssci.html#Benchmark Indicators
• "Sample Learning Activities"  http://www.isbe.state.il.us/ils/benchmarking/indicatorssci.html#Sample Learning Activities
• A limited number "Student Work Samples" http://www.isbe.state.il.us/ils/benchmarking/indicatorssci.html#Sample Student Work .
• The ISBE web site.  http://www.isbe.state.il.us/  .

I believe that the utilization of these resources will assist educators in the quest to improve instruction and better understand the Illinois Learning Standards for Science.  If I may be of any further assistance, please call on me.  Thanks and see you at NSTA!

Bill

Dr. William F. Fraccaro
ISBE - Educator in Residence
Standards Division - Science
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
630-739-0357
cell phone 630-251-1214