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Science MCA Item Writer Training

by , posted on 10:32 AM, March 24, 2023
MDE would like to invite you to apply to be part of the Science MCA-IV Item Writer Training in the summer of 2023
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Dear Science Educator,

We would like to invite you to apply to be part of the Science MCA-IV Item Writer Training in the summer of 2023. The training will be 4 1/2 days total, with a half-day training on June 23 followed by meetings on July 10-11 and July 31-August 1. All meetings this summer will be virtual. Approximately 15-20 additional hours will be needed outside of these dates to complete the writing assignments. This summer, we are focused on writing engaging grade-level phenomena and questions tied to the 2019 Minnesota Science Standards. Our goal for the 2023 item writer training is to generate creative thinking, engaging your unique teaching approaches to build a repository of phenomena and questions for the Science MCA-IV.

Process Details

·         Attend five required training/work days (all virtual):

o   June 23 (half-day)

o   July 10-11

o   July 31-August 1

·         Work independently to complete two phenomenon-based scenarios with 7-8 questions for each phenomenon by August 14, 2023.

Benefits for Educators

·         Build a robust understanding of and diverse perspectives on the 2019 Science standards

·         Offer insights to the creation of quality assessments that impact 60,000 students per grade

·         Expand creative thinking while developing engaging grade-level phenomena and item ideas

·         Learn skills and practices that support strong classroom assessment

·         Collaborate with Science colleagues from across Minnesota

·         Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

·         Receive monetary participation compensation

If you are interested in being part of this Science MCA-IV writer training this year, please enter your information by April 24, 2023, at www.surveymonkey.com/r/2023MCAWriter  Selected writers will be contacted the week of May 1-5. Writers will be chosen based on grade-level and content-area writing needs, as well as experience in developing assessments.

We encourage any teachers and educators interested in becoming a Science item writer to apply. We want to grow the impact teachers have on our Science MCA-IV assessment and look forward to engaging with more teachers around the state. If you have colleagues that might be interested in participating, please send them this information.

Another way to be involved in Science MCA development is to register to participate in MCA Educator Review Committees. Your input is vital in the development of items to the new science standards. We are always looking for more educators to become involved on the review process. This opportunity is open to science, math, language arts, ELL and special education teachers. 

 

Jim Wood and Judi Iverson

Science Assessment Specialists

651-582-8541, 651-582-8651

Jim.wood@state.mn.us  Judi.iverson@state.mn.us