Center for Instructional Support

Classroom Science Performance Assessment Development Panels

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The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is seeking educators to serve as members of the Classroom Science Performance Assessment Development Panels. There will be two panels that contribute to the development of classroom science performance assessments for different grade bands: 3–5 and 6–8.

Applications are due by 12:00 pm Monday, March 2, 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity to have a voice in the creation of classroom science performance assessments for educators to use across the Commonwealth. These performance assessments bundle standards in a coherent way and require students to apply their knowledge, skills, and abilities to an authentic scenario. They include grade-level appropriate hands-on investigations, group work, and creative student products related to real-world problems. See the classroom science performance assessments the Department has developed for grades 3–12 so far on our webpage.

Panel members will be directly involved in assisting the Department with the process of developing, piloting, and refining classroom science performance assessments for their panel's grade band over the 2026-27 school year. DESE is looking to select from a diverse pool of candidates.

For each Classroom Science Performance Assessment Development Panel (3–5 and 6–8), we are looking for candidates with science teaching experience that have...

  • grade band-specific content expertise,
  • expertise with using phenomenon-based instruction,
  • familiarity with the MA STE Curriculum Frameworks,
  • a belief that evidence-based instruction can empower students,
  • experience and understanding of culturally and linguistically sustaining practices in the classroom and experience in a diverse education environment.

We strongly encourage science educators who have diverse backgrounds and who teach groups of diverse students to apply.

Panel Members' Roles and Responsibilities

Panel members will contribute to the development of classroom science performance assessments for their grade band at various stages of development. This may include:

  • brainstorming possible phenomena/problems that could be explained using a specific bundle of standards;
  • reviewing and providing input on initial drafts for content accuracy, cultural responsiveness, and grade level appropriateness;
  • piloting draft versions of performance assessments with students; and
  • rangefinding (coming up with consensus scores) using student work samples to update the scoring rubrics.

Reimbursement, Stipends, and Professional Development Points

Participants will be paid an honorarium (stipend) with a maximum of $1000. Members will be reimbursed for travel expenses including mileage for the in-person kickoff meeting. Members also receive professional development points for their service.

Meeting Schedule and Commitments

Members are expected to attend all assigned meetings (see anticipated meeting schedule below).

Classroom Science Performance Assessment Development Panel Schedule

Grades 3–5 Dates

  • Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 1:00–3:00 pm: Virtual new members' orientation
  • Wednesday, August 12, 2026, full-day: In-person Kick-off meeting
  • Virtual meetings during the school year are held on Tuesdays:
    • September 22, 2026, from 4:30–6:30 pm
    • October 20, 2026, from 4:30–6:30 pm
    • November 10, 2026, from 4:30–6:30 pm
    • January 12, 2027, from 4:30–6:30 pm
    • February 9, 2027, from 4:30–6:30 pm
    • March 9, 2027, from 4:30–6:30 pm

Grades 6–8

  • Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 1:00–3:00 pm: Virtual new members' orientation
  • Wednesday, August 12, 2026, full-day: In-person Kick-off meeting
  • Virtual meetings during the school year are held on Tuesdays:
    • September 29, 2026, from 4:30–6:30 pm
    • October 27, 2026, from 4:30–6:30 pm
    • November 17, 2026, from 4:30–6:30 pm
    • January 26, 2027, from 4:30–6:30 pm
    • February 23, 2027, from 4:30–6:30 pm
    • March 30, 2027, from 4:30–6:30 pm

Application Procedure

  1. Part 1 — Written Application
    The application asks you to provide more information about your background, a statement of interest, and your résumé.

  2. Part 2 — Interview
    You may be invited to participate in a virtual interview.

  3. Part 3 — Selection
    You will be notified if you have been selected to join the Classroom Science Performance Assessment Development Panel. If accepted, you will commit to attending all in-person and virtual sessions.

All applicants must gain approval from their supervisor to serve on a panel prior to completing the online application.

The deadline for completion of the online application and the submission of all materials is Monday, March 2, 2026 by 12:00 pm. Notifications will be sent by April 3, 2026. Upon selection, successful applicants will be sent invitations for meeting dates and be asked to confirm attendance.

Questions? contact corrine.m.steever@mass.gov

Last Updated: February 2, 2026

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