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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
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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 Assessmentswww.doe.mass.edu/mcas/2007/admin/hssguide.pdf 2007 Item Releases Grade 5: www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/2007/release/g5hss.pdf Grade 7: www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/2007/release/g7hss.pdf High 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 • The evolution of the concepts of personal freedom, individual responsibility, & respect for human dignity • The growth and impact of centralized state power • The influence of economic, political, religious, and cultural ideas as human societies move beyond regional, national, or geographic boundaries • The effects of geography on the history of civilization and nations • The growth and spread of free markets and industrial economies • The development of scientific reasoning, technology, and formal education over time and their effects (etc.) • 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 of 2) To conceive the significance of; construe