the narrative form and mcas in history and social science
DESCRIPTION
The Narrative Form and MCAS in History and Social Science. Massachusetts Department of Education Kevin M. Dwyer John Keh. MCAS Guide to History and Social Science Assessments www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/2007/admin/hssguide.pdf 2007 Item Releases - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The Narrative Form and MCAS in History and Social Science
Massachusetts Department of Education Kevin M. DwyerJohn Keh
MCAS Guide to History and Social Science Assessmentswww.doe.mass.edu/mcas/2007/admin/hssguide.pdf 2007 Item ReleasesGrade 5: www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/2007/release/g5hss.pdfGrade 7: www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/2007/release/g7hss.pdfHigh School:www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/2007/release/g9_10hss.pdf
The question Does a student’s ability to construct a
solid narrative assure strong performance on MCAS in History and Social Science? No
Will students who can construct a solid narrative enjoy an advantage by developing that skill? Most likely
What is “a narrative”?
American Heritage Dictionary defines it as “A narrated account; a story”
A metacognitive skill A framework for learning History A form of writing that establishes
context and conveys sequence
Essential Narrative Elements
As History Who What When Where Why How
As Literature Character Plot Setting
Theme (Theory)
Other Useful Tools
“Telescoping”— An ability to apply the appropriate level
of focus to the most pertinent details Thematic Understanding—
Themes help to organize the narrative The framework suggests seven themes All open-response questions relate to at
least one of these themes
Curriculum Framework Themes 1. The evolution of the concepts of personal freedom,
individual responsibility, & respect for human dignity2. The growth and impact of centralized state power3. The influence of economic, political, religious, and
cultural ideas as human societies move beyond regional, national, or geographic boundaries
4. The effects of geography on the history of civilization and nations
5. The growth and spread of free markets and industrial economies
6. The development of scientific reasoning, technology, and formal education over time and their effects (etc.)
7. The birth, growth, and decline of civilizations
How we score MCAS responses
“Thoroughly and accurately” = 4 pts
“Generally” = 3 pts
“In a limited way” = 2 pts
“Minimally” = 1 pt
Our rubric says:
Closing thoughts Moving beyond a “once upon a time”
construction
Advice to students: Interpret AHD defines as:
1) To explain or clarify the meaning of2) To conceive the significance of; construe