Science Literacy 2006 school release materials - NAP

Chapter 6Student Standard andPerformance ProfileStandard for Year 6 science literacyA standard for scientific literacy was established after the 2003 testing to provideparents, educators and the community with a clear picture of the proficiency thatstudents are expected to demonstrate by the end of Year 6.To identify what students should know and be able to do by the end of Year 6,university science educators, curriculum officers and experienced primary teachersin all States and Territories, from government, Catholic and independent schools,were brought together. The members of the expert group used their classroomexperience and knowledge of the science curriculum in the various jurisdictions toexamine the test items from the 2003 National Science Assessment.The crucial science literacy skills and understandings needed by students forthe next phase of science learning at school were discussed and debated beforeconsensus was reached on a ‘proficient’ standard for Year 6. This standardinformed the development of the tests for the 2006 assessment.The ‘proficient’ standard is a challenging level of performance, with studentsneeding to demonstrate more than minimal or elementary skills to be regarded asreaching it.The Proficency Levels can be found in Appendix A, Table A.1. The Proficientstandard was found to be equivalent to Level 3.2; that is, students achieving atLevel 3.2 or better are considered to have a sound understanding of Year 6 science.40