Assessing Explanation, Argument, and Integrated Knowledge for the Next Generation Science Standards

• In Event: 21.058 - Special Topics in Test Validity Research: Artificial Intelligence in Test Construction and Scoring

Abstract

To support students’ progress toward scientific literacy, the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) demand that science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts be interwoven into every aspect of science education – curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Unfortunately, there are few assessments available that provide the level depth and integration required by the NGSS and that can be scored economically. To address this gap in assessment research and practice, this study will focus on the development and validation of constructed-response items that can be artificial-intelligence-scored through the educational technology platform SimScientists. Through this study, we ultimately intend to develop items that can better assess a student’s ability to construct explanations and arguments and that can be reliably, automatically scored.

Authors

• Matthew Newman Gaertner, WestEd

• Matt Silberglitt, WestEd

• Kevin King, Utah State Office of Education

• W. Christopher Brandt, IMPAQ International, LLC