Contents
Science
Using the Matrix to Understand and the
Emphasis and
Priorities of the Science Test (p. 27)
| The purpose of New Jersey's statewide assessment
program is to measure what students at specific grade levels know
and are able to do. Student knowledge in science can be broken
down into cognitive skills (including core knowledge, systems,
history of science, and uses of technology) and process skills
(including problem-solving, mathematics tools, and select tools).
The ESPA assesses Science skills in three content areas--life, physical, and earth-which are subdivided into related topics as shown on the matrices. The emphases and priorities of the Science test are reflected in the percentages shown at the ends of the rows and columns of the test matrix. The percentages on the right side of the matrix show what proportion of the test will cover life, physical, and earth sciences. The percentages at the bottom show, for example, what proportion of the test will cover Problem-Solving. The column marked "Core Knowledge" is different from the others in that it does not represent a "Macro Statement." "Core Knowledge" represents the committee's belief that there is a certain body of knowledge that students should possess to be scientifically literate. "Core Knowledge" addresses content but does not require understanding of systems, relationship to history, problem-solving, using technology, mathematical skills or selection of tools. An example of a "Core Knowledge" item is that the earth orbits around the sun. On the matrix, the notation "Not Tested" means that the cell will not be tested because the content is considered developmentally inappropriate for students in grade four. The matrix on the following page gives the structure for the ESPA Science test. |
