News Brief
Common Science Standards Make Formal Debut
Education Week (04/09/13) Robelen, Erik W.The Next Generation Science Standards, publicly unveiled on April 9, will reshape the focus and delivery of science instruction in U.S. schools by emphasizing depth over breadth, providing students with a foundation of essential knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge through scientific inquiry and the engineering and design process. In addition, the standards promote coherence in the teaching of science across disciplines and grades and a sustained focus on cross-cutting concepts in curriculum. "Coupling practice with content gives the learning context, whereas practices alone are activities, and content alone is memorization. The integration of rigorous content and application reflects how science and engineering is practiced in the real world," says the executive summary of the standards. The standards target four disciplines: physical sciences; life sciences; earth and space sciences; and engineering, technology, and the applications of science. They are organized by grade level for K-5 and as grade-banded expectations for middle and high school. It is unclear if the adopting states will join together to create a shared set of science assessments that align with the standards, especially as there is no plan for federal funding assistance like Race to the Top for math and English standards.
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In response to the release, CCSSO Executive Director Chris Minnich said "CCSSO is supportive of states working together to develop the Next Generation Science Standards. Led by Achieve, 26 states collaborated to draft these new science standards that can help them upgrade the quality of their existing state standards. It is impressive how states are stepping up and leading by upgrading the expectations in science."
This news brief was summarized for Chiefline, CCSSO's weekly newsletter. Click here to receive Chiefline in your inbox weekly. Newsbrief Copyright 2012 INFORMATION, INC.