NGSS Assessment Network

What’s new? A science professional learning structure for K-12 classroom teachers and district instructional specialists.

How and why is this useful? The team worked with a cohort of educators to help them deepen their understanding of assessment and plan for how to best engage their communities in deepening assessment practices. The learning experience for this cohort featured a deep dive into vision, values, and goals, as well as identifying central features of high-quality assessment systems to support three-dimensional student learning experiences. The work resulted in a professional learning structure and resources for use with future cohorts, including a Canvas course (with discussion and reflection opportunities as well as a resource library), presentations, syllabus, and synchronous and asynchronous activities.

What was a unique aspect of this project development? Cohort meetings included time focused on building community and supporting the social emotional needs of adults. To help teachers find and focus on what they can do given their felt constraints, the meetings focused on helping educators see a continuum of assessment opportunities across a unit of study.

Do you want to know more? To find out more about this professional learning structure contact John Spiegel (john.spiegel@sdcoe.net) at the San Diego County Office of Education.