Assessment Anchors
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has created a set of tools designed to help educators better understand the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). The Assessment Anchors are one of the tools that PDE believes will better align curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices throughout the Commonwealth.
As of September 1, 2004, Assessment Anchors have been developed for Reading and Mathematics in grades three through eleven.
We, at Building a Presence, believes that being aware of these Assessment Anchors while implementing an inquiry centered science program will raise achievement levels in ALL curricular areas. As demonstrated by current research, we believe that ALL children will benefit from such an approach. By maintaining a focus on individual Assessment Anchors, students in Pennsylvania will not benefit from an approach that connects all content areas. Inquiry centered science is able to make these connections which makes learning meaningful and significantly increases achievement levels.
The Assessment Anchors (as of September 1, 2004) are located in the Assessment Anchors folder on this CD. Or, you may access them via PDE's web site.
As the Science Assessment Anchors are made available, we will update the resources on this CD and utilize the Building a Presence Electronic Network to inform science educators across the Commonwealth where they are located. To receive notification of these and other resources, you may become a Point of Contact. Use the menu on the left to learn how you can become a Point of Contact and receive information and numerous opportunities for science educators.
We at Building a Presence for Science believe that by implementing an inquiry centered science program, which focuses on the Inquiry Standards and Scientific Thinking, will prepare both students and teachers for all assessments. Therefore, by implementing an inquiry centered curriculum, utilizing an exemplary program, our students will be prepared for living in a world with an ever increasing understanding of their world. It will prepare them to become productive citizens, further education, and a joy of learning.
