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Test Design and Item Specifications (12/27)


SPI Science

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.
The Assessment Development office is hosting a webinar in January where we will review the information in the Test Design and Item Specifications documents.
Webinar Title: Science Test and Item Specifications Release
Date/Time: Wednesday, January 24, 3:30-5 p.m.
Please register for the webinar in advance: Webinar Registration


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