Transform an in-depth understanding of the new science standards into successful classroom practice. You’ll learn how to align instruction and assessment with the science standards and create proficiency scales that can be used to plan all types of lessons. Discover hundreds of ready-to-use proficiency scales derived from the Next Generation Science Standards that are applicable to specific areas of science instruction.

Discover how to weave an in-depth understanding of the Common Core into successful classroom practice with this two-part resource. You’ll learn how to power the standards with guided assessment and measure student progress in a way that accurately reflects learning. Included are hundreds of ready-to-use, research-based proficiency scales for both English language arts and mathematics.

Impact science education with direct vocabulary instruction. With this three-part resource, you’ll discover a six-step process for successfully incorporating vocabulary from the science standards into student learning. Identify the crucial aspects of vocabulary education, and learn targeted strategies to actively engage students. Gain access to lists of essential scientific terms that will help you establish an effective, organized vocabulary program.

Science, engineering, and technology permeate nearly every facet of modern life and hold the key to solving many of humanity's most pressing current and future challenges. The United States' position in the global economy is declining, in part because U.S. workers lack fundamental knowledge in these fields. To address the critical issues of U.S. competitiveness and to better prepare the workforce, A Framework for K-12 Science Education proposes a new approach to K-12 science education that will capture students' interest and provide them with the necessary foundational knowledge in the field. A Framework for K-12 Science Education outlines a broad set of expectations for students in science and engineering in grades K-12. These expectations will inform the development of new standards for K-12 science education and, subsequently, revisions to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for educators. This book identifies three dimensions that convey the core ideas and practices around which science and engineering education in these grades should be built. These three dimensions are: crosscutting concepts that unify the study of science through their common application across science and engineering; scientific and engineering practices; and disciplinary core ideas in the physical sciences, life sciences, and earth and space sciences and for engineering, technology, and the applications of science. The overarching goal is for all high school graduates to have sufficient knowledge of science and engineering to engage in public discussions on science-related issues, be careful consumers of scientific and technical information, and enter the careers of their choice. A Framework for K-12 Science Education is the first step in a process that can inform state-level decisions and achieve a research-grounded basis for improving science instruction and learning across the country. The book will guide standards developers, teachers, curriculum designers, assessment developers, state and district science administrators, and educators who teach science in informal environments.

Learn everything you need to know to implement an integrated system of assessment and grading. The author details the specific benefits of formative assessment and explains how to design and interpret three different types of formative assessments, how to track student progress, and how to assign meaningful grades. Detailed examples bring each concept to life, and chapter exercises reinforce the content.

Discover a clear path for creating and utilizing high-quality proficiency scales. Through this practical handbook, you will gain access to a comprehensive toolkit of strategies, methods, and examples for a variety of content areas and grade levels. The author also outlines an array of accommodations and modifications to support students with disabilities, English learners, and gifted and talented students. Benefits: Understand how to create and use proficiency scales to clearly frame classroom instruction and assessments. Learn how to write high-quality proficiency scales and review how to enrich student learning opportunities. Recognize the various ways teachers, students, and parents can use proficiency scales. Access rubrics, criteria checklists, and pacing guides that you can use in concert with proficiency scales to provide valuable feedback to students. Contents: Introduction Chapter 1: The What and Why of Proficiency Scales Chapter 2: Developing Proficiency Scales Chapter 3: Score 4.0--Complex Content Chapter 4: Using Proficiency Scales in the Classroom Chapter 5: Scales and Related Tools Chapter 6: Using Scales With Exceptional Learners Chapter 7: Scales for Behaviors That Promote Academic Success Epilogue Appendices