PURPOSE/INTENT

The CSSAP has been in existence since 1997 with the collaborative shifting focus in 2003 from developing a large scale assessment item bank to developing model units with classroom assessment embedded in instruction in order to continue to address key issues in Social Studies Assessment.

A CCSSO collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution in 2006 gives the state members access to model units with Smithsonian exhibitions embedded in the instruction and formative assessments. This collaboration enhances the opportunity for teachers and students to engage in rich resources to raise the level of thinking in instruction and assessment.

Training materials were created to accompany the units with the goal of two key understandings:

What is the relationship between formative assessment and instruction?
What is the relationship between evidence from student work and student learning?

PLANS FOR 2008 – 2009

• Hold two meetings
• Fall meeting would include a collaborative meeting in D.C. with the Smithsonian Institution and a staff development session
• June meeting would include a review of the new unit(s) and a staff development session
• Writing and developing new instructional unit(s) with a training topic as a focus
• Possible training products for the next project year based on state membership funding:
• Create a model for analyzing student work from the formative and summative assessments in the units for feedback and evaluation of instructional methods
• Staff Development Session and training materials on topics to be decided by state members at the June meetings. Topics could include:
• Student Self Evaluation and Reflection
     This is a critical part of the formative assessment process.
• Building Background Knowledge for Application
     This is a critical part of the instructional process and lesson development.

STAFF CONTACT