Keystone Biology Item and Scoring Sampler—August 2022
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INFORMATION ABOUT BIOLOGY
Alignment
The Biology Keystone Exam consists of questions grouped into two modules: Module 1—Cells and
Cell Processes and Module 2—Continuity and Unity of Life. Each module corresponds to specific
content, aligned to statements and specifications included in the course-specific Assessment
Anchor documents. The Biology content included in the Keystone Biology multiple-choice items will
align with the Assessment Anchors as defined by the Eligible Content statements. The process skills,
directives, and action statements will also specifically align with the Assessment Anchors as defined
by the Eligible Content statements.
The content included in Biology constructed-response items aligns with content included in the
Eligible Content statements. The process skills, directives, and action statements included in the
performance demands of the Biology constructed-response items align with specifications included
in the Assessment Anchor statements, the Anchor Descriptor statements, and/or the Eligible Content
statements. In other words, the verbs or action statements used in the constructed-response items
or stems can come from the Eligible Content, Anchor Descriptor, or Assessment Anchor statements.
Depth of Knowledge
Webb’s Depth of Knowledge (DOK) was created by Dr. Norman Webb of the Wisconsin Center for
Education Research. Webb’s definition of DOK is the cognitive expectation demanded by standards,
curricular activities, and assessment tasks. Webb’s DOK includes four levels, from the lowest (recall)
level to the highest (extended thinking) level.
Depth of Knowledge
Level 1 Recall
Level 2 Basic Application of Skill/Concept
Level 3 Strategic Thinking
Level 4 Extended Thinking
Each Keystone item has been through a rigorous review process and is assigned a DOK level. For
additional information about DOK, please visit the PDE website at http://static.pdesas.org/content/
documents/Keystone_Exams_Understanding_Depth_of_Knowledge_and_Cognitive_Complexity.pdf.
Exam Format
The Keystone Exams are delivered in a paper-and-pencil format as well as in a computer-based
online format. The multiple-choice items require students to select the best answer from four
possible answer options and record their answers in the spaces provided. The correct answer for
each multiple-choice item is worth onepoint. The constructed-response items require students
to develop and write (or construct) their responses. Constructed-response items in Biology are
scored using item-specific scoring guidelines based on a 0–3-point scale. Each multiple-choice item
is designed to take about one minute to one and a half minutes to complete. Each constructed-
response item is designed to take about eight minutes to complete. The estimated time to respond
to a test question is the same for both test formats. During an actual exam administration, students
are given additional time as necessary to complete the exam.