As you contemplate your Science goals for 13-14 here are some things to think about:
A. The process of setting Student Learning Objectives requires teachers to create standards-aligned
goals and to use assessments to measure student progress. A Student Learning Objective is a longterm academic goal that teachers and evaluators set for groups of students. It must be:
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Specific and measureable
Based on available prior student learning data
Aligned to state standards
Based on growth and achievement
The Student Learning Objective process has five steps:
Step 1: Choose quality assessments (Pre and Post assessments)
Step 2: Determine students starting points
Step 3: Set the Student Learning Objectives
Step 4: Track progress and refine instruction (Excel spread sheet computes growth through pre
and post assessments)
Step 5: Review results and score
Goals:
Every teacher will have two SLO (Student Learning Objective) goals. Each will be measured with an
IAGD (Indicator of Academic Growth and Development). One SLO is standardized (measured with a
standardized test….in Science, Grades 8 and 10th science teachers need to write a standardized goal in
support of the CMT and CAPT. For example:
SLO GOAL 1
SLO (standardized):
IAGD:
8th grade science: My 85% of my students will
students will master
attain at least a 4 on the
critical concepts of
CMT section concerning
science inquiry.
science inquiry.
My students will design an
experiment that
incorporates key
principles of science
inquiry. 90% will score a 3
or 4 on a scoring rubric
focused on the key
elements of science
inquiry
SLO GOAL 2
SLO (nonIAGD: 85% of my
standardized): RST.6students will be able to
8.3 Follow precisely a
score an 80 using the 8th
multistep procedure
grade using the 8th
when carrying out
grade lab rubric.
experiments, taking
Throughout the school
measurements, or
year.
performing technical
tasks. (MS-PS2-1),(MSPS2-2),(MS-PS2-5)
Look at the Next Generation Science Standards, look at the current scientific concepts that you are
currently teaching. How can science support Common Core State Standards specifically reading and
writing across the curriculum?
At the bottom of each Disciplinary Core Idea (DCI) is Common Core State Standards Connections for
example:
Under ELA/Literacy –
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RST.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts,
attending to the precise details of explanations or descriptions (MS-PS1-2), (MS-PS1-3).
WHST.6-8.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated
question), drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions that
allow for multiple avenues of exploration. (MS-PS1-6).
WHST.6-8.1 Write arguments focused on discipline content. (MS-PS3-5).
WHST.6-8.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts,
and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content. (MS-LS42),(MS-LS4-4)
WHST.6-8.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the
credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while
avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources. (MS-LS4-5)
WHST.6-8.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and
research. (MS-LS4-2),(MS-LS4-4)
Mathematics –
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6.SP.B.4 Display numerical data in plots on a number line, including dot plots, histograms, and
box plots. (MS-PS1-2).
6.SP.B.4 Summarize numerical data sets in relation to their context. (MS-LS1-4),(MS-LS1-5)
MP.4 Model with mathematics. (MS-LS4-6)
B. Every teacher will have 1-3 professional practice goal(s) related to their practice (Classroom,
planning, PD). It is highly recommended that in the first year we use one of these. For example:
Goal: I will research science performance assessments. (Domain 6). I will use at least one performance
assessment in my class(es) per unit of study. (Domain 3). This could be accomplished at grade or content
level within your building.
School Goal: Communication with parents.
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Teacher Goal: I will update my website with homework assignments whenever we have one,
and with any other messages and/or materials at least once a week.
Teacher Goal: I will update my grade book at least once a week
One goal related to the school SPI (School Performance Index) goal. For example:
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School Goal: We will increase the literacy of our students.
Teacher Goal: I will have my students write explanations on why they believe their answer(s) are
correct. I will have activities like this at least once a week.