NWESD Science Announcements and Opportunities

Science Updates Test Design and Item Specifications for the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) for grades 5, 8, and high school are now available on the Science Assessment webpage .  The documents describe how clusters (stimulus and item sets) and standalone items for the WCAS assessments are developed to assess the Washington State 2013 K-12 Science Learning Standards ( Next Generation Science Standards ). The documents include a test design section followed by an item specification section. The test design section includes information about the organization of the WCAS, the item types used, and an overview of the science standards. The item specification section includes a small sample of specifications that are based on the Performance Expectations (PEs) in the standards. The sample will continue to expand through the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years until item specifications for all PEs are achieved. Th

WCAS training tests now available Science Training Tests Training Tests for the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) for grades 5, 8, and high school are now available on the WCAP Portal . The Training Tests are intended to help students become familiar with the features and tools of online tests. To experience the greatest variety of question types and test functionalities, students in 5th, 8th, and 11th grade should interact with the training tests at all three grade levels.   Each training test includes one standalone question and one cluster (a set of stimuli and questions). The standalone questions and clusters on the training tests were developed by Washington educators, field tested by Washington students, and reviewed and approved by Washington educators. The standalone questions and clusters were carefully chosen to appear on the training tests to represent a variety of online question t

Register to participate Upcoming Science Webinars The Assessment Development office is hosting two webinars in January to support the release of the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) Training Tests and the Test & Item Specifications documents. The webinars will be recorded and be available through your district test coordinator. Date/Time: Wednesday, January 10, 3:30-5:00 p.m. Title: How to Work with the WCAS Training Tests Description: Walk through the new science training tests and learn important information for teachers and students to focus on as they use the training tests. January 10th Registration Date/Time: Wednesday, January 24, 3:30-5:00 p.m. Title: Science Test and Item Specifications Release Description: Review of information contained in the WCAS Test and Item Specifications documents. January 24th Registration Af

A summer opportunity for Washington high school seniors Apply to National Youth Science Camp Washington high school seniors are encouraged to submit an application to attend the 2018 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC). Two Washington high school seniors will be selected from the applicant pool to receive a scholarship to exchange ideas with scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds. The selected delegates must not only demonstrate academic achievement in science, but also show potential for thoughtful scientific leadership. Application materials are available on the NYSC website at http://apply.nysc.org and must be submitted by February 28, 2018. About the NYSC The NYSC experience is hosted and operated by the National Youth Science Foundation ( www.nysf.com ) and is offered at no cost to participants, so that selected delegates may attend regardless of their financial status.

Next Generation Science and Engineering for Equity November 29, 2018 @ the Microsoft Conference Center in Redmond WA This full-day workshop for upper elementary and middle school teachers will give participants tools to engage their students in science and engineering practices aligned with the NGSS. From building low-cost sensors, to iterating design challenges to writing across the STEM disciplines, teachers will add to their toolkit of effective and engaging teacher practices. Professor Jose Rios' keynote will challenge participants to develop their ideas about educating for equity and access in STEM. Six STEM clock hours are available for participants, pending approval and for an additional fee. Registration and agenda are here: http://tinyurl.com/Nov29Registration

A summer opportunity for Washington high school seniors Apply to National Youth Science Camp Washington high school seniors are encouraged to submit an application to attend the 2018 National Youth Science Camp (NYSC). Two Washington high school seniors will be selected from the applicant pool to receive a scholarship to exchange ideas with scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds. The selected delegates must not only demonstrate academic achievement in science, but also show potential for thoughtful scientific leadership. Application materials are available on the NYSC website at http://apply.nysc.org and must be submitted by February 28, 2018. About the NYSC The NYSC experience is hosted and operated by the National Youth Science Foundation ( www.nysf.com ) and is offered at no cost to participants, so that selected delegates may attend regardless of their financial status.

6th Annual Fidalgo Shoreline Academy SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2017 NW Educational Services District 189 1601 R Avenue, Anacortes Registering online is easy! click  HERE ( see website for mail-in instructions ) Fidalgo Shoreline Academy, sponsored by Friends of Skagit Beaches, is designed to encourage you to care for and protect our local marine and shoreline environments.  Your day will include an inspiring keynote address and three interesting breakout sessions for you to choose from, including an interpretive walk along the Anacortes waterfront. Visit page to see full list of sessions and presenters! FREE clock hours (5) available for teachers! Visit  https://skagitbeaches.org/our-work/fidalgo-shoreline-academy.html  or contact us at  friends@skagitbeaches.org  for more information. VISIT PAGE: https://skagitbeaches.org/our-work/fidalgo-shoreline-academy.html

FROM THIS PAGE: [ LINK ] Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is an online distance learning course and summer experience specifically designed for high school sophomores and juniors interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. The online curriculum is a University of Washington college course focused on NASA’s space exploration program as well as topics in earth and space science. If they successfully complete the online curriculum, students are invited to participate in multi-day summer experiences that provide them to the opportunity to work with STEM professionals, NASA scientists, university students and STEM educators. Why should a student participate in WAS? Participating in the online distance learning course helps students understand the components and expectations for college level coursework while they are still in high school, particularly the importance of good time management and the ability to prioritize. Being able to state on a resu