7 MAC Pt. 36
Mississippi
Cite as 7 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 36
Title 7: Education K-12
Part 36
Mississippi
Extended Curriculum Frameworks
Middle School Version
Language Arts, Mathematics, & Science
for
Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
The Mississippi Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy,
marital or premarital status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability.
*Revised August 2012 by Mississippi Educators in collaboration with the Office of Student Assessment and Measured Progress
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 2
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction
Language Arts Extended Curriculum Frameworks
Mathematics Extended Curriculum Frameworks
Science Extended Curriculum Frameworks
References & Resources
Appendices
What do we mean by “reading” for the alternate assessment?
What do we mean by “writing” for the alternate assessment?
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 3
Introduction
The Mississippi Extended Curriculum Frameworks (MECF) Middle School Version includes curriculum content that students with
significant cognitive disabilities in grades 6 through 8 are expected to access and learn during the course of their instructional programs. The
primary purpose of this document is to share the prioritized academic content with teachers, family members, and other educational
stakeholders, and to guide the development of high-quality alternate assessments that assess the knowledge and skills representative of
these extended standards.
Teachers should use this document to plan instruction and collect student work samples (e.g., documented teacher observations,
student work products, recorded media) that can be used to establish a baseline about what students know and can do at the beginning of the
school year and to measure progress on the same skills and concepts on the final assessment later in the school year. These student work
samples can then be used as part of the submission for the Mississippi Alternate Assessment of Extended Curriculum Frameworks
(MAAECF).
Designed specifically for students with significant cognitive disabilities, the MAAECF is a portfolio assessment that is aligned with the
Mississippi Extended Curriculum Frameworks for Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Mathematics, and Science. The assessment
measures student performance based on alternate achievement standards.
The MAAECF portfolio is a collection of student work from throughout the school year. Teachers select appropriate objectives for
assessing students. Students are initially assessed on these objectives through baseline activities developed by the teacher. The teacher then
provides instruction on the selected objectives throughout the school year. The teacher assesses these same objectives through final
activities that he or she has developed. Student work samples from both the baseline and final activities are submitted in the student’s
portfolio. This student work is utilized to determine the student’s performance level and the level of complexity at which the student is working.
This document provides the curriculum frameworks that bring the prioritized grade-level content standards to life for language arts,
mathematics, and science instruction. It is expected that teachers working with students with significant cognitive disabilities will incorporate
instruction of all identified competencies at every grade level in the grade span. The alternate assessment tasks will be drawn from clusters
and objectives most appropriate for specific individual students and their learning strengths and needs based upon the Data Collection
Requirements document that outlines the allowable assessment objectives at each grade level. The learning objectives within each cluster
were developed to provide a range of breadth and complexity, so that all students can access and demonstrate learning of each grade-level
competency.
There is an overview of the competencies and clusters for each content area at the beginning of each section of this document:
•
Language Arts (pages 4-7),
•
Mathematics (pages 8-12), and
•
Science (pages 13-16).
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 4
Reading Strand: Students use reading skills and strategies to decode and interpret symbols, words, and larger blocks of text. Students
demonstrate the ability to use reading to acquire new information, refine perspectives, respond to the needs and demands of society and the
workplace, and provide for personal fulfillment.
Competency 1: Use word recognition and vocabulary (word meaning) skills and strategies to communicate.
Cluster 1A. Concepts of Print
Cluster 1B. Phonological Awareness
Cluster 1C. Word Identification, Vocabulary, and Decoding Strategies
Competency 2: Apply strategies and skills to comprehend, respond to, interpret, and evaluate texts.
Cluster 2A. Using Text Features and Text Structures
Cluster 2B. Reading Comprehension
Writing Strand: Students develop a working knowledge of language as well as grammatical structures, diction and usage, punctuation,
spelling, layout, and presentation. Students develop the ability to express personal ideas, understandings, desires, and needs in writing.
Competency 3: Express, communicate, evaluate, or exchange ideas effectively.
Cluster 3A. The Writing Process
Cluster 3B. Audience and Purpose
Competency 4: Apply Standard English to communicate.
Cluster 4A. Writing Mechanics
LANGUAGE ARTS
EXTENDED CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKS
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 5
MAAECF ELA – Grades 6 - 8
Reading Strand
MECF
ELA
Competencies
Rating
scale
item #
MECF Objectives/Rating Scale Items
1. Use word
recognition
and
vocabulary
(word
meaning)
skills and
strategies to
communicate.
Cluster 1A. Concepts of Print
R1A.a
Student locates print and interprets the message/meaning (common symbols and signage, environmental print).
R1A.b1
Student identifies or locates where to begin reading a variety of texts (e.g., books, stories, articles, letters).
Cluster 1B. Phonological Awareness
R1B.a
Student uses letter-sound relationships to blend phonemes to make words.
R1B.b
Student deletes phonemes in one-syllable words (e.g., Say crust. Say crust without the c.).
R1B.c1
Student identifies the number of syllables in words with more than two syllables.
Cluster 1C. Word Identification, Vocabulary, and Decoding Strategies
R1C.a
Student identifies when a word does not make sense in the context used.
R1C.b
Student uses pictures for context clues.
R1C.c
Student recognizes and uses affixes, base words, and roots to determine the meaning of words (choose from under-, sub-,
ex-, -or/-er, -ist, -ance).
R1C.c1
Student recognizes regular plural endings (-s, -es, -ies) and applies them to make words.
R1C.c2
Student recognizes regular past tense endings (-d, -ed) and applies them to make past tense words.
R1C.d
Student identifies and uses synonyms and antonyms appropriately.
R1C.e
Student recognizes and reads basic sight words and simple sentences.
R1C.f
Student uses grade-appropriate content vocabulary to sort words by categories, observable features, or function.
R1C.g
Student identifies homonyms (e.g., to, two, too; no, know) and their correct uses.
R1C.h
Student interprets intended meanings of new words using semantic context cues, such as restatement, example, or contrast.
R1C.i
Student interprets and organizes words having shades of meaning.
2. Apply
strategies
and skills to
comprehend,
respond to,
interpret, and
evaluate
texts.
Cluster 2A. Using Text Features and Text Structures
R2A.a
Student uses text features for identifying key ideas in text or general meaning (e.g., uses illustrations, titles, subheadings, key
word searches, bold print).
R2A.b
Student uses text features to answer questions after reading informational texts (e.g., schedules, charts, maps, magazine
article, news story).
R2A.c
Student reads a variety of texts and identifies author’s purpose.
R2A.d
Student identifies the conflict and solution in a literary text.
R2A.e
Student sequences main parts of a story using transition cues and key words.
R2A.f
Student matches cause with effect from literary and informational texts.
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 6
MAAECF ELA – Grades 6 - 8
Reading Strand
MECF
ELA
Competencies
Rating
scale
item #
MECF Objectives/Rating Scale Items
2. Apply
strategies
and skills to
comprehend,
respond to,
interpret, and
evaluate
texts.
(Continued)
Cluster 2B. Reading Comprehension
R2B.a
Student answers appropriately to comprehension questions from both literary and informational text.
R2B.b
Student predicts logical events from what he/she read or has heard and confirms predictions after reading or listening.
R2B.c
Student identifies character, plot, and setting of a story.
R2B.d
Student describes the emotions and motivation of characters in a text.
R2B.e
Student makes basic inferences from literary and informational text.
R2B.f
Student identifies the main idea and supporting details within a text.
R2B.g
Student classifies information from an informational text as fact or opinion.
R2B.h
Student identifies the figurative and literal meaning of idioms.
R2B.i
Student interprets print and non-print media to determine the type of propaganda technique being used.
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 7
MAAECF ELA – Grades 6 - 8
Writing Strand
MECF
ELA
Competencies
Rating
scale
item #
MECF Objectives/Rating Scale Items
3. Express,
communicate,
evaluate, or
exchange
ideas
effectively.
Cluster 3A. The Writing Process
W3A.a
Student uses grade-appropriate reference materials to use new words in their writing (e.g., thesaurus, glossary – dictionary).
W3A.b
Student uses words, pictures, signs, objects, or sentences to create a text.
W3A.c
Student composes a friendly letter.
W3A.d
Student develops a message or focused text which incorporates a clear beginning, middle, and end and important details.
W3A.e
Student outlines ideas for composing a text.
W3A.f
Student revises text using a writer’s checklist.
Cluster 3B. Audience and Purpose
W3B.a
Student uses formal and informal language based on audience and purpose.
W3B.b
Student gathers and organizes relevant information on a topic to answer specific questions of interest.
W3B.c
Student presents information using pictures, texts, or other media on a researched topic.
W3B.d
Student communicates for a variety of purposes: inform, request information, entertain, persuade.
W3B.e
Student shares personal interest or knowledge including supporting details.
4. Apply
Standard
English to
communicate.
Cluster 4A. Writing Mechanics
W4A.a
Student accurately spells grade-appropriate high-frequency words.
W4A.b
Student applies rule and edits for capitalizations for proper nouns and initial words of a sentence.
W4A.c
Student recognizes contractions in isolation and in connected text.
W4A.d
Student correctly uses and edits for basic punctuation marks: end marks, quotations, abbreviations.
W4A.e
Student understands and uses contractions.
W4A.f
Student composes a variety of simple and compound sentences on a given topic by combining words and phrases.
W4A.g
Student edits a variety of simple and compound sentences on a given topic applying basic capitalization, punctuation,
grammar, or spelling rules.
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 8
Number and Operations Strand: Students recognize, represent, understand, and apply mathematical concepts and processes to situations
within and outside of school. The definition of Number and Operations includes a range of skills including: rote counting; using pictures,
objects, and symbols to denote meaning from numbers and quantities; and demonstrating an understanding of numbers as quantities that can
be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided.
Competency 1: Understand relationships among numbers and basic operations. Compute fluently and make reasonable
estimates.
Cluster 1A. Counting and Numbers
Cluster 1B. Basic Operations
Cluster 1C. Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages
Algebra Strand: Students will use symbolic forms to represent, model, and demonstrate understanding of mathematical situations and apply
mathematical concepts and processes to situations within and outside of school. Patterns, Functions, and Algebra include such skills as
discrimination, sorting, matching, and sequencing.
Competency 2: Explain, analyze, and generate patterns, relationships, and functions using numerals, symbols, words, and/or
manipulatives.
Cluster 2A. Pattern Analysis
Cluster 2B. Functions and Relationships
Geometry Strand: Students will use representation, visualization, spatial reasoning, and symmetry to solve problems. Geometry and Spatial
Relations includes demonstrated understanding of size, shape, and location, applied for a variety of purposes and to a variety of situations.
Competency 3: Recognize, describe, and compare basic shapes and other geometric and spatial details.
Cluster 3A. Shape Recognition
Cluster 3B. Relational Concepts
Cluster 3C. Understanding Lines and Angles
MATHEMATICS
EXTENDED CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKS
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 9
Measurement Strand: Students use a variety of tools and techniques of measurement to problem solve. Measurement includes a
demonstrated understanding of such concepts as time, distance, area and volume, applied for a variety of purposes and to a variety of
situations. At a lower level, measurement is being broadly defined to include the concept of more than, less than, and other comparatives.
Competency 4: Understand and use different forms and units of measurement in a variety of contexts.
Cluster 4A. Time
Cluster 4B. Measuring Objects and Using Information
Data Analysis and Probability Strand: Students will interpret data and make predictions using methods of exploratory data analysis and
basic notions of probability. Data Analysis and Probability includes categorization, making choices, and logical reasoning about events or
situations.
Competency 5: Collect and report data. Read and understand basic charts, graphs, and tables.
Cluster 5A. Collecting and Reporting Data
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 10
MAAECF Mathematics – Grades 6 – 8
Numbers and Operations Strand
MECF
Mathematics
Competencies
Rating
scale
item #
MECF Objectives/Rating Scale Items
1. Understand
relationships
among
numbers and
basic
operations.
Compute
fluently and
make
reasonable
estimates.
Cluster 1A. Counting and Numbers
MN1A.a
Student identifies place value of ones, tens, and hundreds.
MN1A.b
Student identifies place value of decimals to the hundredths.
MN1A.c
Student lists three rational numbers in proper numerical order.
MN1A.d
Student compares and orders rational numbers using symbols ( >, <, = ).
Cluster 1B. Basic Operations
MN1B.a
Student adds double-digit numbers with or without regrouping.
MN1B.a1
Student uses a calculator to solve addition problems involving two or three double-digit numbers and regrouping.
MN1B.b
Student subtracts double-digit numbers with or without regrouping.
MN1B.b1
Student uses a calculator to subtract double-digit numbers with or without regrouping.
MN1B.b2
Student uses a calculator to subtract double- and triple-digit numbers and uses a calculator to justify the answer.
MN1B.c
Student applies the basic operations of addition and subtraction in problem solving (e.g., word problems; authentic tasks).
MN1B.d
Student solves problems involving multiplication or division.
MN1B.d1
Student solves multiplication and division word problems using a calculator.
MN1B.d2
Student describes or models (using objects or pictures) the multiplication/division inverse relationship.
MN1B.e
Student completes problem-solving activities in real-life situations using (+, -) or (x, ÷).
Cluster 1C. Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages
MN1C.a
Student identifies and models improper and mixed fractions.
MN1C.a1
Student compares fractions with denominators 2–10 using models, pictures, or fraction numerals.
MN1C.a2
Student orders fractions with denominators 2–10 using models, pictures, or fraction numerals.
MN1C.b
Student identifies and models percents appropriately.
MN1C.c
Student identifies equivalent fractions and percents.
MN1C.d
Student uses money appropriately in real-life activities (making change, determining sales tax, determining unit price).
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 11
MAAECF Mathematics – Grades 6 – 8
Algebra Strand
MECF
Mathematics
Competencies
Rating
scale
item #
MECF Objectives/Rating Scale Items
2. Explain,
analyze, and
generate
patterns,
relationships,
and functions
using
numerals,
symbols,
words, and/or
manipulatives.
Cluster 2A. Pattern Analysis
MA2A.a
Student creates, describes, and extends a growing pattern.
MA2A.b
Student identifies and extends numeric patterns when presented with a task.
MA2A.c
Student completes input/output function table when given the rule.
Cluster 2B. Functions and Relationships
MA2B.a
Student completes and creates number sentences to demonstrate understanding of multiplication.
MA2B.b
Student completes and creates number sentences to demonstrate understanding of division.
MA2B.c
Student applies the commutative and associative properties of addition and multiplication to solve problems.
MA2B.c1
Student describes or models the commutative property of addition using objects, pictures, numbers, or letters.
MA2B.c2
Student describes or models the associative property of addition using objects, pictures, numbers, or letters.
MA2B.c3
Student applies the commutative and associative properties of addition to solve problems.
MA2B.c4
Student describes or models the commutative property of multiplication using objects, pictures, numbers, or letters.
MA2B.c5
Student describes or models the associative property of multiplication using objects, pictures, numbers, or letters.
MA2B.c6
Student applies the commutative and associative properties of multiplication to solve problems.
Geometry Strand
3. Recognize,
describe, and
compare basic
shapes and
other
geometric and
spatial details.
Cluster 3A. Shape Recognition
MG3A.a
Student identifies 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional objects/shapes.
MG3A.a1 Student uses manipulatives or pictures to compose 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional shapes.
MG3A.a2
Student recognizes and identifies at least 5 of the following polygons (rhombus, square, triangle, trapezoid, rectangle,
pentagon, hexagon, and/or octagon) according to number of sides and/or number of angles.
MG3A.b
Student identifies and explains how shapes are congruent or symmetrical.
Cluster 3B. Relational Concepts
MG3B.a
Student identifies and locates elements of a coordinate plane.
MG3B.b
Student identifies circumference, diameter, and radius of a circle.
Cluster 3C. Understanding Lines and Angles
MG3C.a
Student identifies angles (right, acute, and obtuse) in everyday objects.
MG3C.a1
Student uses a protractor to measure angles from 0 to 180 degrees.
MG3C.b
Student identifies perpendicular, parallel and intersecting lines in everyday objects (e.g., maps, patterns in clothing, furniture).
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 12
MAAECF Mathematics – Grades 6 – 8
Measurement Strand
MECF
Mathematics
Competencies
Rating
scale
item #
MECF Objectives/Rating Scale Items
4. Understand
and use
different forms
and units of
measurement
in a variety of
contexts.
Cluster 4A. Time
MM4A.a
Student applies time-related terms and concepts (responds to questions, estimates) in relation to real-life situations and
problem solving.
Cluster 4B. Measuring Objects and Using Information
MM4B.a
Student measures an object to the nearest inch, foot, yard, or centimeter using the appropriate tool.
MM4B.b
Student reads a thermometer and uses the information to make practical decisions.
MM4B.c
Student uses appropriate tools to compare lengths, weights, or temperature, of common objects and materials.
MM4B.d
Student identifies basic units of measurement in customary and metric systems.
MM4B.e
Student measures fluids using customary and metric system units of measure.
MM4B.e1 Student compares the capacity of various containers in standard units (e.g., ounce, cup, pint, quart, gallon, and/or liter, etc.).
MM4B.e2 Student sorts and classifies containers based on capacity.
Data Analysis and Probability Strand
5. Collect and
report data.
Read and
understand
basic charts,
graphs, and
tables.
Cluster 5A. Collecting and Reporting Data
MD5A.a
Student constructs and labels a pie graph from data on a table and chart.
MD5A.b
Student identifies the mean, median, mode, and range of a set of data.
MD5A.c
Student predicts and models the number of different combinations of 2 or more objects.
MD5A.d
Student constructs, interprets, and explains data using a graph, table, or chart.
MD5A.e
Student uses basic probability concepts to make predictions about an event.
MD5A.e1
Student identifies whether an outcome of an event is “more likely” or “less likely” to occur.
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 13
Inquiry Strand
Competency 1: Use tools and instruments to plan, conduct, and evaluate simple science experiments.
Cluster 1A. Conducts Experiment
Cluster 1B. Interprets Data
Cluster 1C. Communicates Findings
Earth and Space Systems Strand
Competency 2: Identify and describe features of the Earth, the Earth’s structure, and other objects in space.
Cluster 2A. Planets and the Solar System
Cluster 2B. Earth’s Structure
Competency 3: Identify and describe living and nonliving factors that affect the environment.
Cluster 3A. Factors Affecting the Environment
Life Science Strand
Competency 4: Identify and describe animals and plants and their environments.
Cluster 4A. Plants and Animals
Competency 5: Identify and describe structures of living systems and their functions.
Cluster 5A. Structures of Living Systems
Physical Sciences Strand
Competency 6: Demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts regarding matter, energy, motion.
Cluster 6A. Matter and Changes
Cluster 6B. Force and Motion
Cluster 6C. Forms of Energy
SCIENCE
EXTENDED CURRICULUM FRAMEWORKS
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 14
MAAECF Science – Grades 6 - 8
Inquiry Strand
MECF
Science
Competencies
Rating
scale
item #
MECF Objectives/Rating Scale Items
1. Use tools
and
instruments
to plan,
conduct, and
evaluate
simple
science
experiments.
Cluster 1A. Conducts Experiment
SI1A.a
Student recognizes safety rules for science experiment and/or laboratory (e.g., wear goggles, wash hands after handling
materials, do not taste unknown materials).
SI1A.b
Student chooses appropriate tools for completing a task (e.g., simple measuring devices metric and standard units, balance
scale, spring scale, dissecting microscope, telescope).
SI1A.c
Given a testable question, student chooses a plan or plans steps to investigate the question.
SI1A.d
Student conducts a simple experiment to address a question or problem.
Cluster 1B. Interprets Data
SI1B.a
Student identifies observable features or traits (e.g., shape, texture, size, color, number) of objects and organisms.
SI1B.a1
Student sorts or sequences objects and organisms based on given criteria.
SI1B.b
Student predicts outcomes based on observations and previous experience.
SI1B.c
Student interprets data collected as part of an experiment (e.g., makes an accurate statement based on data; identifies a trend
or result).
Cluster 1C. Communicates Findings
SI1C.a
Student communicates understanding of concepts or results by choosing correct or appropriate outcome/summary.
SI1C.b
Student develops graphs, charts, or other visual representations to communicate the results on an investigation.
Earth & Space Science Strand
2. Identify and
describe
features of
the Earth and
other objects
in space.
Cluster 2A. Planets and the Solar System
SE2A.a
Student identifies features of the solar system, including the Earth, sun, other planets, and asteroid belt.
SE2A.b
Student demonstrates Earth’s orbit around the Sun and the Moon’s orbit around the Earth.
SE2A.c
Student distinguishes between heavenly bodies that radiate light (sun, stars) and those that reflect light (moon, planets).
SE2A.d
Student identifies objects seen in the day and nighttime skies, including different phases of the moon.
Cluster 2B. Earth’s Structure
SE2B.a
Student classifies rocks, gems, and minerals according to their characteristics (color, luster, cleavage, streak, hardness).
SE2B.b
Student identifies and describes how erosion affects the earth.
SE2B.c
Student identifies the three major layers of the earth (crust, mantle, core) and the atmosphere using a model or diagram.
SE2B.d
Student examines fossils and identifies whether they are from plants or animals.
SE2B.e
Student observes and describes teacher demonstration of how rock types are formed (e.g., heat, pressure, or both heat and
pressure to form new rocks).
SE2B.f
Student classifies resources as renewable or non-renewable, including energy sources.
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 15
MAAECF Science – Grades 6 - 8
Earth & Space Science Strand
MECF
Science
Competencies
Rating
scale
item #
MECF Objectives/Rating Scale Items
3. Identify and
describe
living and
nonliving
factors that
affect the
environment.
Cluster 3A. Factors that Affect the Environment
SE3A.a
Student uses visuals to identify tornados and hurricanes and describe their effects.
SE3A.b
Student observes teacher designed water cycle activity and describes or orders pictures showing what happened.
SE3A.c
Student identifies ways in which humans affect living and nonliving things in the environment.
SE3A.d
Student identifies reasons that animals or plants might become threatened, endangered, or extinct (e.g., loss of habitat, over
hunting or fishing, pollution, climate change, over populating).
Life Science Strand
4. Identify and
describe
animals and
plants and
their
environments.
Cluster 4A. Plants and Animals: Living Organisms and Adaptation
SL4A.a
Student recognizes that the Sun is the major source of the Earth’s energy.
SL4A.b
Student recognizes that all living things are made up of cells.
SL4A.c
Student identifies the parts of a plant (stem, root, leaves, seeds, flowers) and describes their functions.
SL4A.d
Student compares and contrasts characteristics of living organisms (e.g., compare parts of plant cells and animal cells).
SL4A.e
Student explains adaptations (changes that resulted over time) of animals and plants that allow them to survive in their
habitats.
SL4A.f
Student identifies how plants and animals meet their basic needs for water, food, air, and shelter.
SL4A.g
Student describes characteristics of different aquatic and land ecosystems.
SL4A.h
Student identifies what plants need in order to make their own food (photosynthesis).
SL4A.i
Student develops a food web using pictures or other media.
SL4A.j
Student uses a food web model to identify organisms and their roles (producers make food and consumers eat food, and
decomposers break down matter).
SL4A.k
Student recognizes what carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores eat.
SL4A.l
Student classifies animals using given criteria (e.g., carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores; cold- or warm-blooded; vertebrate-
invertebrate).
5. Identify and
describe
structures of
living
systems and
their
functions.
Cluster 5A. Structures of Living Systems
SL5A.a
Student matches the body systems (skeletal, respiratory, circulatory, muscular, nervous, and skin) with various functions within
the body.
SL5A.a1
Student identifies body systems that work together or describes the process for how body systems work together to perform a
given action.
SL5A.b
Student identifies or matches organs (e.g., heart, lungs, brain, spinal cord, skin) with appropriate body system.
SL5A.c
Student identifies habits that promote good health (e.g., eating healthy foods, exercise, non use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol).
SL5A.d
Student recognizes different diseases or illnesses associated with various body systems (e.g., heart disease, lung cancer,
asthma, diabetes).
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 16
MAAECF Science – Grades 6 - 8
Physical Science Strand
MECF
Science
Competencies
Rating
scale
item #
MECF Objectives/Rating Scale Items
6. Demonstrate
an understanding
of basic concepts
regarding matter,
motion, and
energy.
Cluster 6A. Matter and Changes
SP6A.a
Student classifies objects and materials as gases, solids, or liquids.
SP6A.b
Student identifies activities that involve physical or chemical changes in substances (e.g., physical: squashing, cutting,
sharpening, stretching, evaporating; chemical: baking, cooking, burning, rusting).
SP6A.b1
Student recognizes that the total mass does not change during physical and/or chemical changes.
SP6A.c
Students identifies the effects of stirring, shaking, or warming up objects in order to dissolve them in water (e.g., will it
dissolve faster if I shake it?).
Cluster 6B. Force and Motion
SP6B.a
Student follows simple directions to make and use a simple machine (e.g., pulley, lever, wedge, inclined plane).
SP6B.b
Student explores, measures, and records the motion of an object (e.g., how amount of force can affect distance or speed
of object).
SP6B.c
Student explores and identifies how different forces affect objects (e.g., equal and opposite forces cause no change in
motion; unbalanced forces cause change).
SP6B.d
Student describes the effect of friction or resistance on an object’s motion.
Cluster 6C. Forms of Energy
SP6C.a
Student identifies objects that will be attracted by a magnet, including electromagnets.
SP6C.b
Student investigates different forms of energy (heat, sound, light, electricity) and describes what happened.
SP6C.b1
Student identifies properties of light (i.e., reflection, refraction, and absorption).
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 17
References
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., as amended by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Amendments of 1997, Pub. L. No. 105-17, 111 Stat. 37 (1997).
Flowers, C., Browder, D., Wakeman, S., & Karvonen, M. (2007). “Links for Academic Learning: The Conceptual Framework.” National
Alternate Assessment Center (NAAC) and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
McDonnell, L. M, McLaughlin, M. J., & Morison, P. (Eds.). (1997). Educating one and all:
Students with disabilities and standards-based reform. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Pub. L. No. 107-110, 115 Stat. 1425 (2002).
Thompson, S.J., Johnstone, C.J., & Thurlow, M.L. (2002). Universal design applied to large-scale assessments (Synthesis Report 44).
Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota, National Center for Educational Outcomes.
Webb, N. L. (1997). Criteria for alignment of expectations and assessments in mathematics and science education (NISE Research
Monograph No. 6). Madison: University of Wisconsin-Madison, National Institute for Science Education.
Additional Resources for Alternate Assessments & Making Materials More Accessible
DC CAS Alt/District of Columbia Alternate Assessment. [Online] Available: http://www.ihdi.uky.edu/ilssa/dc-cas-alt/ or
http://www.ihdi.uky.edu/ilssa/dc-cas-alt/teacherResources/Default.asp (online alternate assessment resources for teachers and
parents)
Denham, A. (2004). Pathways to Learning for Students with Cognitive Challenges: Reading, Writing, and Presenting. Human Development
Institute. University of Kentucky. [Online] Available: http://www.ihdi.uky.edu/IEI/Files/Pathways%20to%20learning%20document.pdf
(ideas for expressive and receptive adaptations to accommodate diverse learning styles)
Fichleay, K. and Dubuske, S. (2003). Adapting Books Assistive Technology Continuum. Boston Public Schools Access Technology Center.
[Online] Available: http://www.boston.k12.ma.us/teach/technology/emmanuel/ATAdaptBks.pdf (ideas for adapting text to
accommodate diverse learning styles)
GA Alternate Assessment. [Online] Available: http://www.georgiastandards.org/impairment.aspx - (Teacher Resource Guide, sample
modified texts for ELA, sample assessment activities for mathematics, ELA, science, and social studies)
Hess, K. (2008). “Tools & Strategies for Developing and Using Learning Progressions.” Presentation at the FAST-SCASS meeting, Atlanta,
GA 2/6/08 [online] PowerPoint and article available: www.nciea.org
Hess, K. (2008). “Teaching and Assessing Understanding of Text Structures across Grades.” [online] available: www.nciea.org
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 18
MA Alternate Assessment Teacher Resource Guide. [Online] Available: http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/alt/resources.html (online alternate
assessment resources for teachers)
NJ Alternate Assessment/APA. [Online] Available: http://pem.ncspearson.com/nj/apa (online alternate assessment resources for teachers)
Pro Teacher website for Hands-on Science Activities. [Online] Available: http://www.proteacher.com/cgi-
bin/outsidesite.cgi?id=274&external=http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/projects/index.html&original=http://www.proteacher.com/110053.shtml&tit
le=Energy%20Science%20Projects (online resources for teaching science)
Science Saurus: A Student Handbook – teacher or student resource for looking up science concepts, examples, and diagrams. Great Source
Education Group, Houghton Mifflin Company ISBN# 0-669-48192-0 6/8
The Internet Picture Dictionary. (2003). [Online] Available:
www.pdictionary.com (picture dictionary available in several languages which can be used to make worksheets, games, etc.)
Texas School for the Blind. (undated). Functional Academics and Functional Skills Department. [Online] Available:
http://www.tsbvi.edu (ideas and materials for adapting academic content for students with visual impairments)
Utah State University. (2003). National Library of Virtual Manipulatives [Online] Available:
http://www.matti.usu.edu/nlvm/nav/topic_t_2.html (virtual manipulatives that can be arranged online to solve or illustrate math
problems – includes measurement, geometry ,and algebra)
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 19
What do we mean by “reading” for the MS Alternate Assessment?
Students who have significant cognitive disabilities may be accessing and responding to information in a different way than typical students.
For students taking the alternate assessment, “reading” may be defined as follows:
Student listens and
follows along with text
Romeo and Juliet fell in love.
http://bookbuilder.cast.org/
Student listens and
follows along with
pictures
http://www.ric.edu/sherlockcenter/dsi/romeo.pdf
Student listens and
follows along with
objects
Romeo and Juliet fell in love.
Denham, A. (2004). Pathways to Learning for Students with Cognitive
Challenges: Reading, Writing and Presenting. Interdisciplinary Human
Development Institute, University of Kentucky. [Online] Available:
http://www.ihdi.uky.edu/IEI/
Student listens and
follows along with
tactile cues
Romeo and Juliet fell in love.
http://www.tsbvi.edu/Education/vmi/images/love.jpg
The grade-appropriate texts may be adapted by:
•
Condensing information
•
Shortening the text
•
Presenting a synopsis of the text
•
Highlighting important information
•
Pairing text with pictures, objects, or tactile cues
o When pairing text with pictures it may be a one-to-one correspondence (one picture for each word) or it may be one picture that
summarizes the text
•
Translating the text to Braille
•
Chunking relevant information
•
Creating a story bag that corresponds to the text (using representative objects for main characters/ideas from the text)
•
Rewriting using different vocabulary
Middle Level Extended Curriculum Framework/MECF (August 2012) 20
What do we mean by “writing” for MS Alternate Assessment?
Students who have significant cognitive disabilities may be accessing and responding to information in a different way than typical students.
For students taking the alternate assessment, “writing” may be defined as the ordering of information and representing a complete thought.
For some students, representing a complete thought is done on a word-by-word basis; for other students, it may be represented more
holistically by an object or picture. Students may write by:
•
Using stamps
•
Using pictures
•
Using objects
•
Using written words
•
Using Braille
•
Using tactile cues
•
Using a voice output device or other augmentative communication devices (e.g., to complete a cloze sentence, choose main ideas
and/or supporting details to write a text)
•
Ordering sentences (words, objects, pictures, tactile cues) into an essay
•
Completing cloze sentences
•
Using a computer with writing software (speech to text, picture writing, etc.)
•
Using a pen, pencil, or other writing utensil