NGSS Performance Assessment Rubric Development

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.

Lauren Stoll serves as Research Associate at WestEd's SCALE Science division, bringing extensive experience in science education and curriculum development. Her career began teaching science in diverse urban public school districts in Oakland and Berkeley, California, where she gained valuable classroom experience that now informs her work in curriculum design. At Stanford's Center for Assessment, Learning, and Equity (SCALE), she focused on developing NGSS-aligned curriculum, assessment tools, and professional learning resources. Her expertise spans project-based learning, performance assessment development, and equitable instruction methods. Currently at WestEd, she continues her work on research and development of NGSS-aligned curriculum and assessment practices, blending her practical teaching experience with expertise in Next Generation Science Standards to create materials that support inclusive science education. Her commitment to educational equity is demonstrated through her work designing resources that integrate science and language learning, particularly focusing on supporting all teachers and students in diverse learning environments.