Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- A systems approach to assessment -- Science literacy: implications for assessment -- The centrality of standards -- Designing science assessment -- Implementation and support -- Issues of equity and adequacy -- Evaluation and monitoring -- Supporting the design, implementation, and evaluation of state science assessment systems. "In response to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), Systems for State Science Assessment explores the ideas and tools that are needed to assess science learning at the state level. This book provides a detailed examination of K-12 science assessment: looking specifically at what should be measured and how to measure it."--NAP Web site.