NGSS Rubrics and Assessment Kits: Applying Practical Educational Science to NGSS Assessment

Practical Educational Science


Practical Educational Science provides principles and methods for systematically breaking down any educational standard into practical learning goals.

Practical Educational Science helps educators:

  • Design coherent assessments and educational programs
  • Monitor student attainment over time
  • Analyze data to support classroom decision-making and improve instruction
  • Evaluate the validity and reliability of classroom assessments
  • Implement NGSS and NYSSLS effectively
  • Move from educational standards to valued learning outcomes


ACASE prepares educators with foundational skills through its Institute in Practical Educational Science, our professional development workshop. Watch the video to learn more.

Watch the video below to hear workshop participants describe how the Institute in Practical Educational Science helped them implement Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Field Work
Learning goals related to MS-LS2-1, taught through engaging field work, can be assessed individually using educational science.


What Institute For Practical Educational Science participants had to say about the recent Institute

The summer workshop was the highpoint of my career.

What Institute For Practical Educational Science participants had to say about the recent Institute

Every component was worthwhile, especially the training on unpacking the standards. I appreciated the amount of direct instruction and work time that was provided – it was a great balance.

What Institute For Practical Educational Science participants had to say about the recent Institute

The leaders of the workshop modeled what they were asking the participants to do/consider – they were receptive to feedback, modified their instruction to fit the needs of the participants, and modeled the process using their own work.

What Institute For Practical Educational Science participants had to say about the recent Institute

Explicit in nature and had beautiful flow. I loved how questions and concerns were addressed as we went along. The presentations were so dynamic.

What Institute For Practical Educational Science participants had to say about the recent Institute

It is clear that much thought and preparation went into planning goals for this workshop, yet the pathways to meet those goals were flexible in order to meet our needs as learners. Feedback was encouraged and participants felt an environment that was safe and respectful…enough time was dedicated to ensure the success of the workshop.

What Institute For Practical Educational Science participants had to say about the recent Institute

Intellectually stimulating conversation. Helpful insights and new practices. Collaborative community.

What Institute For Practical Educational Science participants had to say about the recent Institute

I don’t feel that in all my previous experiences with professional development that I have ever been treated as respectfully and professionally as in these four days.

What Institute For Practical Educational Science participants had to say about the recent Institute

Of the highest quality. There was a perfect balance between “instruction,” application, collaboration and struggle. I have gone to many workshops where I was just talked at the whole time. Having time to work on my own product actually made it a workshop (i.e. producing something), not just delivery of information.

What Institute For Practical Educational Science participants had to say about the recent Institute

The curriculum was incredibly valuable! As I learned more about the concepts embedded in this program, I started to wonder why we would do anything differently. It just makes sense to begin with standards and learning goals! I want to apply that concept to all areas of instruction.