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Science education in Vermont is currently centered on the new Science Grade Expectations, which are anchored to the Vermont Framework of Standards & Learning Opportunities. (See NOTE) The domains of science addressed by these documents include Inquiry, Physical Science, Life Science the Human Body and Earth/Space Science. Assessment of student understanding of these domains is accomplished through statewide assessment, as well a continuation of ongoing local and classroom assessments. Professional development through the Vermont Professional Development Network in Science guide teachers to establish connections between the Science Grade Expectations and these assessment strategies.
Use the links below to view information about:
- Grade Expectations (Updated 8/30/10)
- New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Resources (e.g., released test items, practice tests, administration manuals, workshop materials, etc.)
- Other Resources (e.g., educator CD resources, MSP, NAEP, the Blueprint, standards, etc.)
NOTE: Both the Word and PDF versions of the Framework document now include the revised science standard 7:16.
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Calendar of Events - Understanding the 2010 NECAP Science Reports
Release of results from the May 2010 administration of the NECAP Science test at grades 4, 8 & 11 will begin on September 15, 2010. Science results will be released through the NECAP Analysis and Reporting System. The system includes an interactive component which allows school and district users to sort and filter data on a variety of reports and a feature which allows individual teacher accounts to be created. From September 16 - 22, the department and Measured Progress will be offering a series of workshops that will provide an overview of the different types of science reports and a detailed demonstration of the NECAP Analysis and Reporting System. Click on any of the workshop offerings below for times and a direct link to the workshop registration page (that includes a workshop description, map and driving directions):
NECAP Assessment Results
The NECAP reading, writing, mathematics and science tests measure students’ academic knowledge and skills relative to Grade Expectations which were developed by teams of teachers from Vermont, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. View the most recent data reports.
NECAP Resources
Use this link for information and links to practices tests, released test items, manuals and workshop materials for reading, writing, mathematics and science, as well as other resources such as tip sheets, hundreds tables, multiplication charts, scoring guides, alignment charts, target documents, test taking strategies, unifying themes, etc.
NECAP Science Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
As a result of educators' questions during the Fall 2008 Science Network meeting regarding NECAP Science concerns, this FAQ was created. This information may be helpful in your discussions with educators and community members about NECAP Science.
Mathematics and Science Partnership (MSP) Grant Program
The goals of the MSP are: 1) to increase the academic achievement of students in mathematics and science by enhancing the content knowledge and teaching skills of classroom teachers; 2) to build statewide capacity for professional development of K-12 staff by establishing networks of highly skilled teacher leaders in mathematics and science; and 3) to develop partnerships among K-12 educators, STEM faculty, and higher education personnel. Funds from the MSP are currently being used to support high quality professional development programs in Vermont. Three-year MSP projects funded for 2009-2010 include:
Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Nomination Form for 2010
The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is considered the nation’s highest honor in mathematics and science teaching in the United States. This 2010 awards are limited to teachers of mathematics and science kindergarten through grade 6. Nominees must be full-time employees of the school or school district who have taught at least 5 years. Teachers can self-nominate for this award, but a school/district nomination of a high-quality math or science teacher is one way of saying “we recognize and appreciate what you do.” For more information about the awards and the awards process, visit the PAEMST Web site.
Surveys of Enacted Curriculum (SEC) Facilitator Toolkit
The SEC are practical, efficient tools for obtaining classroom data about math, science or literacy teaching. Online surveys completed by teachers produce visual maps of instruction that can be compared to the Vermont Grade Expectations. The surveys can also provide instructional data to investigate in relation to NECAP results. The following materials are provided to help facilitators develop understanding of the Survey content, levels of cognitive complexity, and data analysis:
- Instructions for Viewing Data
Step-by-step instructions for viewing instructional practice charts, instructional content charts, standards and assessments, and teacher data.
- Survey "How To" Guide
View instructions for registering, returning to an incomplete survey, participating in another content area survey, taking a post-SEC survey, what to do if you forget your user name and password.
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