1996-97 Content of WSAS Knowledge and Concepts Examinations

Basic Understanding

Demonstrate understanding of the literal meaning of a passage through identifying stated information, indicating sequence of events, and defining grade-level vocabulary.

-Write responses to questions requiring literal information from passages and documents.

Analyze Text

Demonstrate comprehension by drawing conclusions; inferring relationships, such as cause and effect; and identifying theme and story elements, such as plot, climax, character and setting.

-Write responses that show an understanding of the text that goes beyond surface meaning.

Evaluate and Extend Meaning

Demonstrate critical understanding by making predictions; distinguishing between fact and opinion, and reality and fantasy; transferring ideas to other situations; and judging author purpose, point of view, and effectiveness.

-Write responses that make connections between texts based on common themes and concepts; evaluate author purpose and effectiveness, and extend meaning to other contexts.

Identify reading Strategies

Demonstrate awareness of techniques that enhance comprehension, such as using existing knowledge, summarizing content, comparing information across texts, using graphics and text structure, and formulating questions that deepen understanding.

-Write responses that interpret and extend the use of information from documents and forms, and that demonstrate knowledge and use of strategies.

Table 2: Language Arts

Sentence Structure

Demonstrate an understanding of conventions for writing complete and effective sentences, including treatment of subject and verb, punctuation, and capitalization.

Demonstrate an understanding of conciseness and clarity of meaning in combining two sentences.

Writing Strategies

Demonstrate knowledge of information sources, outlines and other pre-writing techniques.

Demonstrate an understanding of the use of topic sentences, concluding sentences, connective and transitional words and phrases, supporting statements, sequencing ideas, and relevant information in writing expository prose.

Editing Skills

Identify the appropriate use of capitalization, punctuation, nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs in existing text.

-Demonstrate knowledge of writing conventions and sentence structure through identifying and correcting errors in existing text and in text written by the student.

Table 3: Writing Scoring Criteria

Score

Score Criteria Description

Response is complete and superior in development, with fine use of language and mechanics. The writing is clearly focused on a topic and is logical and well developed. There is a clear sense of voice, purpose, and audience. Balance, precise vocabulary, and sophistication set this response apart.

Response is clear and well organized. There is a clear sense of purpose and few errors in mechanics or language. There is logical development of a topic. Response shows a good command of language, with spelling errors on above grade level words only. This response is balanced and complete.

Response is completely organized and developed with adequate use of language and mechanics. The piece follows an organizational plan to closure. Development may be brief with few examples, but it is focused on a topic. Vocabulary is good, and common word are spelled correctly.

Response is somewhat developed. Frequent errors in mechanics and language detract from the whole. There is some focus on a topic, though lapses in logic or balance may occur.

Response is poor. Errors in language and mechanics may obscure the meaning. There is little evidence of focus on a topic or of an organized plan. Poor vocabulary and spelling inhibit understanding.

Response is scarcely coherent. Errors obscure the meaning. There is no balance, little or no logic, or attention to the topic.

Number and Number Relations

Demonstrate an understanding of number, number sense, and number theory by ordering numbers, representing numbers in equivalent forms, identifying relationships, interpreting numbers in real-world situations, and applying number concepts in real-world situations.

-Communicate, model, or represent an understanding of number and number relationships.

Computation and Numerical Estimation

Demonstrate proficiency in computation procedures, solve real-world computation problems, apply a variety of estimation strategies, and determine reasonableness of results.

-Explain estimation strategies, compare computation techniques, and evaluate and verify solutions.

Operation Concepts

Demonstrate an understanding of the properties and relationships of operations, relate mathematical representations to problem situations, and apply operational processes to solve problems.

-Communicate, model, or represent an understanding of operation concepts.

Measurement

Demonstrate an understanding of measurement systems, units, and tools by describing, calculating, or estimating size, location, and time; by using the concepts of perimeter, area, volume, capacity, weight, and mass; and by identifying appropriate degrees of accuracy.

Solve problems involving principles of measurement, rate, and scale.

-Use manipulatives to explore shapes, area, and perimeter; and to model and represent measurement problems.

-Describe measurement processes, compare techniques, estimate, and communicate estimation strategies.

Geometry and Spatial Sense

Demonstrate spatial sense and an understanding of geometry by visualizing and identifying two- and three-dimensional objects, classifying shapes, recognizing symmetry, using transformations, applying geometric formulas, and evaluating properties of geometric figures.

-Use manipulative shapes to explore spatial relationships and patterns, and to model geometric problems.

Data Analysis, and Probability

Analyze, interpret, and evaluate data in various forms; and apply the concepts and processes of data analysis, statistics, and probability to real-world situations.

-Represent and interpret data, model probability situations, describe trends, and evaluate or construct arguments based on data.

Data Analysis, and Probability

Analyze, interpret, and evaluate data in various forms; and apply the concepts and processes of data analysis, statistics, and probability to real-world situations.

-Represent and interpret data, model probability situations, describe trends, and evaluate or construct arguments based on data.

Problem Solving and Reasoning

Select and apply problem-solving strategies, identify necessary information, use patterns and relationships to evaluate situations, apply inductive and deductive reasoning and spatial and proportional reasoning, and solve a variety of nonroutine, real-world problems.

-Formulate problems, evaluate mathematical arguments, evaluate and generalize solutions, and justify answers and solution strategies.

Communication

Relate daily vocabulary to mathematical terminology; and relate models, diagrams, and pictures to mathematical ideas.

-Model problem situations, and describe and evaluate mathematical ideas and situations graphically or in writing.

Science Inquiry

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts of science inquiry. Demonstrate the ability to perform science inquiry.

-Through text, diagrams, and drawings, provide explanations of investigations, analyze investigations, and communicate results.

Physical Science

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of physical science. Apply physical science knowledge to investigations and real-world contexts.

-Through text, diagrams, and drawings, provide explanations of physical science concepts and principles.

Life Science

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of life science. Apply life science knowledge to investigations and real-world contexts.

-Through text, diagrams, and drawings, provide explanations of life science concepts and principles.

Earth and Space Science

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of Earth and space science. Apply Earth and space science knowledge to investigations and real-world contexts.

-Through text, diagrams, and drawings, provide explanations of Earth and space science concepts and principles.

Science and Technology

Demonstrate an understanding of technological design. Demonstrate an understanding of how technology and science interact and affect one another.

-Through text, diagrams, and drawings, provide explanations of technological design and science and technology issues.

Personal and Social Perspectives in Science

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of science that have a direct impact on personal and social issues, such as personal health, populations, resources, environment, and technology.

-Through text, diagrams, and drawings, provide explanations of science concepts and principles that directly affect people and society.

History and Nature of Science

Demonstrate an understanding of science as a human endeavor, the nature of scientific knowledge, and the history of science.

Geographic Perspectives

Demonstrate an understanding of concepts and process skills related to the study of the world's people, places, and environments, and their interactions over time.

-Construct answers, use geographic tools, and create solutions or products using inquiry skills and knowledge related to geographic perspectives.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

Demonstrate an understanding of concepts and process skills related to the study of time, continuity, and societal change throughout history.

Demonstrate an understanding of concepts and process skills related to the study of the contributions, influences, and interactions of various cultures.

-Construct answers, and create solutions or products using inquiry skills and knowledge related to historical and cultural perspectives.

Civics and Government Perspectives

Demonstrate an understanding of concepts and process skills related to the study of civic responsibilities and the structures and functions of government.

-Construct answers, and create solutions or products using inquiry skills and knowledge related to the role of today's citizens and the structures and functions of government.

Economic Perspectives

Demonstrate an understanding of concepts and process skills related to the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services at local, regional, and global levels.

-Construct answers, and create solutions or products using inquiry skills and knowledge related to economic perspectives.