Creating NJSLA-like Assessments in Science

This workshop guides educators through the process of developing assessment items that mirror the format, rigor, and intent of the New Jersey Student Learning Assessments for Science (NJSLA-S). Participants learn how to align questions with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and Next Generation Science Standards, emphasizing the integration of science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas. Through hands-on collaboration and iterative design, attendees explore how to craft questions that are data-driven, technology-enhanced, and differentiated to meet the needs of all students.

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• Lack of appropriate released NJSLA-S items for specific instructional goals or investigations.
  
  
• Challenges aligning assessments with state science standards and rigor expectations.
  
  
• Difficulty differentiating assessments for diverse student populations
  

1. Standards-Based Item Development
   Educators will learn to unpack standards to ensure items are aligned with core ideas, science and engineering practices (SEPs), and crosscutting concepts (CCCs). This includes understanding assessment boundaries and identifying which expert science vocabulary students need to apply at high levels of rigor.
   
   
2. Strategic Use of Format and Data
   Participants will explore various technology-enhanced item types.and how to replicate their function in both digital and paper formats. Emphasis is placed on embedding quality data and using constructed responses and distractors effectively to evaluate student understanding.
   
   
3. Differentiation and Scaffolding for Rigor
   The workshop emphasizes scaffolding for diverse learners while maintaining rigor, including strategies for vocabulary instruction, gradual release of responsibility, and using feedback loops to refine assessment items. Educators will also learn to use student misconceptions to inform distractor creation and support deeper learning.