We want to help you get in flight with 3D science assessment as quickly and confidently as possible. One way we support that is through Assessment Orbits — implementation strategies designed to meet you where you are.
Common 3D Assessments is an assessment orbit built for schools and districts that want to establish consistent, comparable student data across all classrooms from day one.
What are Common 3D Assessments?
Common 3D Assessments are the same assessment given across a school or district to gather context-wide student data. These assessments include scaffolded questions that move from content only (1D), to practices and concepts (2D), to full sensemaking (3D), giving educators reliable, comparable data on student proficiency across Performance Expectations (PEs).
Who this works best for
Schools or districts that want consistent, comparable student proficiency data across all classrooms
Teams looking for a manageable, low-lift way to introduce teachers to InnerOrbit and 3D assessment
Accounts with a PLC or data meeting cycle that want shared PE-level data to drive collaborative instructional decisions
Choose Your Common Assessment Strategy
There are four assessment strategies, each designed to support different contexts, goals, and assessment cadences.
Strategy | Purpose | Frequency | Assessment Question Types |
Curricular Benchmarks | Collect summative PE proficiency data at the end of each term to reflect on instruction and curriculum | 2-4x per year | 2D and 3D only |
Unit Assessments | Assess proficiency across PEs at the end of each unit | After each unit | 1D, 2D, and 3D |
Growth Assessments | Compare student proficiency on the same PEs before and after instruction to measure growth | 2x per year minimum | 2D and 3D only |
Common Formative Assessments | Check how students are progressing toward proficiency on a single PE — quick data for PLCs to act on right now | 3x per unit+ | 1D, 2D, and 3D |
🚀 Not sure where to start? Start with 5 Common Formative Assessments for the year — one per priority standard. Add more as your team builds confidence.
Key Considerations
Before launching this assessment orbit, take a few minutes to review these key considerations. Thinking through each one ahead of time can help set your team up for a smoother implementation.
Who will build the assessments?
Who will build the assessments?
Common assessments are most likely to move forward smoothly when there is a clear owner, such as a coach, curriculum lead, or collaborative team. Before launch, identify who will lead the build process and make sure they have the time and support needed to do it well.
How will you introduce InnerOrbit to teachers?
How will you introduce InnerOrbit to teachers?
Clear communication before the first administration helps teachers feel prepared for success. Make sure they understand what they are being asked to do, why it matters, and how to access the assessment. Even a simple communication plan before launch can strengthen clarity and teacher buy-in.
What happens after the data comes in?
What happens after the data comes in?
The strongest implementations pair assessment administration with a clear plan for reviewing results. Before you launch, decide how and when your team will analyze the data together, and how those insights can help inform instructional next steps.
Watch the Overview
This short video breaks down the Common 3D Assessment Orbit, including its purpose, structure, and key planning considerations.
💡 Ready to launch Common 3D Assessments? Explore our Common 3D Assessment Guide for step-by-step guidance and helpful tips.
Need more help? For additional assistance, click on "Send us a message" in the site chat or email us support@innerorbit.com