NGSS Performance Assessment Fundamentals

Jill Wertheim currently serves as Director of SCALE Science at WestEd, where she specializes in advancing science education through innovative assessment practices. Her work focuses on building school, district, and statewide capacity to enhance student learning through student-centered, asset-based assessment approaches. Previously, she served as Program Director at the Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning, and Equity (SCALE), where she led the Stanford NGSS Assessment Project (SNAP). Her expertise centers on developing performance assessments that support the implementation of new science standards aligned with the Framework for K-12 Science Education. She has pioneered the development of exemplar performance assessments, rubrics, and professional learning tools, while focusing on identifying and removing barriers to students' understanding of core science concepts. Dr. Wertheim holds a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences and a BA in Geology from Middlebury College, bringing a unique blend of scientific expertise and educational assessment knowledge to her work in transforming science education.

Dr. Cathy Zozakiewicz serves as Project Manager for SNAP at SCALE, bringing extensive expertise in educational equity and assessment. Her twelve-year tenure as faculty at San Diego State University focused on multicultural education and closing achievement gaps in STEM fields, particularly working with elementary and middle school classrooms. At Stanford's Center for Assessment, Learning and Equity (SCALE), she leads the development and implementation of teacher and student performance assessments, including edTPA, which is used for initial teacher licensure in multiple states. Her work encompasses creating gender-inclusive and culturally responsive practices to increase participation of underserved groups in STEM fields. She has conducted numerous professional development workshops focusing on effective mentoring, science teaching for diverse populations, academic language, and performance assessment design. Her research through the Maxima Project demonstrated positive impacts on teachers' practices and girls' attitudes toward science and mathematics, particularly focusing on creating gender-inclusive and socially relevant learning environments.