Grade 8: Forensic Science - Evidence, Clues, and Investigation Excerpt
Rating: 
http://achievethecore.org/page/933/mini-assessment-for-forensic-science-by-andrea-campbell-detail-pg
Common Core Standards
Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
Reading in Science and Technical Subjects
RST.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.
RST.6-8.2 Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.
Reading Informational Text
RI.8.1 Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
RI.8.2 Determine a central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text, including its relationship to supporting ideas; provide an objective summary of the text.
RI.8.3 Analyze how a text makes connections among and distinctions between individuals, ideas, or events (e.g., through comparisons, analogies, or categories).
RI.8.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.
RI.8.5 Analyze in detail the structure of a specific paragraph in a text, including the role of particular sentences in developing and refining a key concept.
RI.8.6 Determine an author's point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how the author acknowledges and responds to conflicting evidence or viewpoints.
Writing
W.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.
W.8.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
W.8.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Language Standards
L.8.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
L.8.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
L.8.3 Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
Description of Mini-Assessment
This Grade 8 mini-assessment titled “Forensic Science: Evidence, Clues, and Investigation Excerpt” cited on achievethecore.org is designed to be completed in one class period. Questions included in this assessment reflect the shift required by CCSS to read closely, examine textual evidence, and discern deep meaning as a central focus. This mini- assessment has five selected-response questions and two paper/pencil equivalents of technology-enhanced items that address the Reading Standards listed above. There is also one constructed response question that addresses Reading for Information, Writing, and Language standards.
Cautions
Connecticut educators are encouraged to give students the time that they need to read closely and write to the source. Educators should allow additional time as is necessary to accommodate students who are ELL, have disabilities, or read well below the grade level text band. It is recommended that the writing prompt not be made optional. While the mini- assessment is intended for use in a science classroom, science teachers should be aware Question # 2 does not align to a Reading In Science & Technical Subjects standard. Three additional Reading in Science & Technical Subjects standards are not listed on either the mini-assessment or on the “Question Annotations for Teachers” document, and they should be since they are assessed: RST.6-8.4 (Question #2), RST.6-8.5 (Questions #6 and #8), and RST.6-8.6 (Questions #7 and #8).
Rationale for Selection
This mini-assessment is a good example of how to design text-dependent questions aligned to specific Common Core Standards for Science and Technical Subjects. Information about determining text complexity (quantitative and qualitative data) is included with the assessment materials. A comprehensive chart that contains question annotations, answer and distractor justifications, and a specific rationale for the essay prompt is included along with additional resources for CCSS assessment and implementation. There is also an aligned scoring rubric for text-based writing prompts from Student Achievement Partners.