Program
Science (SCIENCE)
The Science SCASS is dedicated to ensuring that the highest quality of science standards, instructional materials, and assessments are available to state and local education agencies across the country. Members gain access to cutting edge research and information, professional development, guest speakers, and innovative projects relevant to science standards, curricula, instruction, assessments, and Common Core State Standards.
In the 2012/2013 year, Science SCASS will continue to work with Achieve and the National Academies. States will assist Achieve with their development work on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Members will benefit from professional development with Achieve leaders and NGSS writers. The Science SCASS will review iterative drafts of the NGSS through the science assessment lens. Through collaboration with the National Academies, members will also explore Next Generation Science Assessments, including updates on advances in research, development and implementation.
Science SCASS members will also have access to a number of materials, including access and user privileges to a Science Item Bank with over 1400 individual items. The Item Bank is electronically accessible and customizable to assist state education agencies and their local education agencies in developing their own formative, end-of-course, and statewide assessments.
SCASS Advisor: Stephen L. Pruitt, Ph.D.
Stephen Pruitt was named Senior Vice President for Content, Research and Development in April 2013. He is leading the development of the Next Generation Science Standards. Stephen began his career as a high school Chemistry teacher in Georgia, where he taught for 12 years. In 2003, he joined the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) as the Program Manager for Science. He served in that role for four years before becoming Director of Academic Standards, where he oversaw the continued implementation of the Georgia Performance Standards in all content areas. In 2008, he became the Associate Superintendent of Assessment and Accountability, responsible for directing all state assessments and overseeing the No Child Left Behind accountability process. In April 2009, Stephen became Chief of Staff to State School Superintendent Kathy Cox, coordinating the work of the agency and a variety of projects such as Georgia's third-ranked Race to the Top application. He joined Achieve in 2010.
In addition to his state-level work, Stephen also served as President of the Council of State Science Supervisors and a member of the writing team for the College Board's Standards for College Success Science Standards. Most recently, he served on the National Academies of Science's Committee on Conceptual Framework for New Science Education Standards, which has developed the Framework for K-12 Science Education. This document is the basis for the development of the Next Generation Science Standards. A native Georgian, Stephen earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from North Georgia College and State University, a master's in science education from the University of West Georgia, and a doctorate of philosophy in chemistry education from Auburn University.
Stephen, his wife, and two children live in Montgomery County Maryland.
2013-14 State Members:
Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Wyoming
2013-14 Associate Members:
CTB/McGraw-Hill, DRC, Measured Progress, NEA and Pearson