SC Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (SC PASS) : evidence of alignment for Grades 4 & 6

Abstract

The present study provides evidence of alignment for the SC PASS Science Grade 4 and Grade 6 assessments as described in A State’s Guide to the U.S. Department of Education’s Assessment Peer Review Process. It seeks to answer the following research questions: To what extent do the test forms and test items for the Science SC PASS reflect the test design and test blueprint? ; To what extent do test forms show balance across the science domains used for Science SC PASS scoring and reporting purposes (earth science, life science, and physical science)? ; To what extent do the test forms and test items reflect the depth and breadth of the SC Science Standards? ; To what extent do Science SC PASS items integrate disciplinary content with science and engineering practices? ; Do the Science SC PASS items range from low to high cognitive complexity and provide enough items across the range of cognitive complexity?