About the NECAP Science Assessment May 2009

NECAP Science Assessment Goes Operational! 

I know it has been a long time coming!  The NECAP Science Assessment goes operational May 2008.  All students in grade 4, 8, and 11 must take part in the assessment (even if they are not taking Science).  The Test Window will be from May 11 to May 28 with pickup being done on May 29 th.

 The Assessment will consist of 3 Sessions:

  • Sessions 1 & 2 will be Multiple Choice and Constructed Response questions.  All domains of Science will be included at all grade levels.  Domains of Science are: Earth Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science.
    • Plan for 90 minutes per session (includes extra time)
    • Domain questions will be clustered (all Life Science questions together)
    • A reference sheet will be used at grades 8 and 11 (You can download them now!)
  • Session 3 will be the Inquiry Task.  At grade 4 & 8:  it will be a task involving using tools, cooperative work (working with a partner to collect data), and then working individually to answer questions.
    • Plan grouping strategies early!
    • Think about which students need accommodations.
    • Students will need flat surfaces and room for 2 or 3 students to work with materials (usually including an 11 x 17 inch place-mat).  Student will also need space for their Task Booklets.  Each student will need to be writing down the data collected individually.
    • Plan for 100 minutes for this session (including teacher setup of equipment prior to student work session).
  • Session 3 in grade 11: The Inquiry Task at Grade 11  does not involve cooperative work this year. Students will work independently.  No extra science tools involved.
    • Plan for 75 minutes for this session at grade 11  (includes survey information).
  • STUDENT SURVEYS at each grade should take about 15- 20 minutes to complete after session 3.

NH ALt Assessment for Science - If you have students who usually take the NH ALT for Math and Reading - Make sure you check out the NH Alt Section of the NH Depart. of Education Website.  Students in grades tested will have materials collected in the SAME YEAR and PRIOR to the testing of other students.  Please make sure that these students are part of the plan.

For updated information use the shortcut link below:

http://www.ed.state.nh.us/necap   This will give you the libnk to all sorts of NECAP Science Resources!

  • Science Released Items (2008)
  • Practice tests
  • Student Work Samples
  • Test Taking Tips
  • GDITS Documents (Guidelines for Developing Inquiry Tasks)
  • May is outdoor science Learning Month
  • and much more…