School Improvement in Maryland

Sample Assessments: Each sample assessment item gives an idea of how an assessment item on the MSA might be presented. The items appropriately measure the content of the VSC and may be formatted similarly to those appearing on the MSA; however, these are sample items only and have not appeared on any MSA form.

Standard 3.0 Knowledge of Measurement

Topic A. Measurement Units

Indicator 1. Recognize and use measurement attributes

Objective a. Demonstrate an understanding of comparative attributes such as: bigger, smaller, longer, shorter, lighter, heavier, shorter, taller, hotter, colder

Sample Assessment Question (SAQ) Item

Prepare pairs of objects that are opposites. E.g., a feather and a book for heavier/lighter; 2 lengths of string for longer/shorter; 2 blocks for shorter/taller; 2 balls (big and small) for bigger and smaller; and 2 cups of water (one with ice) for hotter/cooler.

Proficient
Student correctly states object chosen is bigger (or smaller), shows how they know by directly comparing them, and uses comparative language in explanation. Repeats with other pairs of objects.

In Process
Student correctly states his or her object is bigger (or smaller), but has difficulty using comparative language in explanation. Can successfully compare 2-3 pairs of objects but has difficulty using comparative language in the explanation.

Needs Development
Student is unable to tell if object is bigger (or smaller), does not know how to directly compare the two objects, and is unable to explain. Student cannot successfully compare other pairs of objects or can only successfully compare one pair of objects from the group.

Note: These levels follow the Maryland Model for School Readiness Work Sampling System used in prekindergarten and kindergarten. More information regarding this is at: mdk12.org/. Click on Teaching and Assessing the Content Standards, then click on Early Childhood Initiatives, and finally click on MMSR www.mdk12.org/instruction/ensure/MMSR/index.html.

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Resources for Objective 3.A.1.a:
Clarifications | Prerequisites | Lesson Seeds | Thinking Skills | SAMPLE ASSESSMENTS |