Introduction to Classroom Based Assessments (CBAs)

Social Studies CBA(s) are multi-stepped tasks or projects aligned to specific state standards (Social Studies EALRs). They are project-based activities that promote the skills necessary to becoming an active and well-informed world citizen. Classroom based assessments are designed to encourage engaged student learning.
The CBA chosen for your grade level was selected based on how well it aligned with what you were already teaching. The CBA includes instructions, a graphic organizer, bibliography template, suggested topics and resources. You do not have to use the provided templates, however students will be scored based on the included rubric. Additional resources such as sample papers, bridging documents, and lesson ideas can also be found on the OSPI website.

The Law
RCW 28A.230.095 includes two provisions. The first addresses all three areas, social studies, the arts, and health and fitness, and the second makes special reference to civics. The law states:

(1)    By the end of the 2008-09 school year, school districts shall have in place in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools assessments or other strategies to assure that students have an opportunity to learn the essential academic learning requirements in social studies, the arts, and health and fitness. Social Studies includes history, geography, civics, economics, and social studies skills. Beginning with the 2008-09 school year, school districts shall annually submit an implementation verification report to the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

(2)    Beginning with the 2008-09 school year, school districts shall require students in the fourth or fifth grades [grade], the seventh or eighth grades [grade], and the eleventh or twelfth grades [grade] to each complete at least one classroom-based assessment in civics. The civics assessment may be selected from a list of classroom-based assessments approved by the office of the superintendent of public instruction. Beginning with the 2008-09 school year, school districts shall annually submit implementation verification reports to the office of the superintendent of public instruction documenting the use of the classroom-based assessments in civics. More... 

Timeline
The suggested timelines for implementation of the Classroom Based Assessments is as follows: State Required Implementation Date - School Year '08- 09

Collaboration & Common Elements
Below are the common elements of all the CBA(s) . They have been broken into three parts to demonstrate how classroom teachers and librarians might work together. The three parts are only a suggestion. Please talk to your librarian to work out a plan that best suits both of you.

• Part 1: In the classroom 
  -Essential Question 
  -Key Concepts & Vocabulary 
  
• Part 2: In the library and/or the classroom
  -Inquiry (reading, listening, observing, questioning, note-taking)
  -Organization & Synthesis (graphic organizers, outlines, timelines, etc.)
  
• Group Process & Discussion (small groups/pairs/as a class)
  Part 3: In the classroom
  Position (Writing!)
  Presentation (Communication!)

Tips       

• Develop the essential question/content for your class.
• Provide students with graphic organizers, rubrics, student instructions and checklists for their task (These are included in the CBA packet but you may adapt them as long the scored pieces have all the required elements.)
• Bookmark online resources for your students to expedite their online searching process and post on your web page.
• Coordinate with your grade level team and librarian so books are available for everyone doing the project .
• Read over your assigned CBA, rubrics, student samples before assigning to help guide students.

Contacts
OSPI Social Studies Representative and CBA Trainer: Caleb Perkins 360-725-6351