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Online Short Course

Next Generation Science Standards
Moving Toward NGSS: Using Formative Assessment to Link Instruction and Learning
Page Keeley

Course Overview

Registration will close at 5:00 p.m. eastern time on the first day of the course.


This short course will provide the rationale, tools, and strategies for informing instruction and supporting science learning through formative assessment. Through synchronous web seminars and asynchronous discussions K-12 science educators will learn about:

  • different types of formative assessment probes;
  • formative assessment classroom techniques (FACTs) that uncover students' thinking about core disciplinary ideas described in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS); and
  • guiding students in NGSS practices of science, such as constructing explanations and engaging in argumentation.

Course participants will practice a variety of strategies for the classroom and share their insights with a community of K-12 teachers interested in building their capacity for using formative assessment effectively. Read more details and view the course syllabus.


The course will run from April 18 through May 2, 2013. Participants will attend three web seminars and contribute to discussion forums in the days between live sessions. Participants should plan to spend approximately 10-15 hours on this online course, including synchronous and asynchronous components.


Live Web Seminar Dates:

  • April 18, 6:30-8:00 p.m. eastern standard time
  • April 25, 6:30-8:00 p.m. eastern standard time
  • May 2, 6:30-8:00 p.m. eastern standard time



For more information contact shortcourses@nsta.org


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