Next Gen Science Standards
How to Prepare for Next Generation Science Standards & Implement A New Vision for K-12 Science Education
The recently released Framework for K-12 Science Education from the National Research Council provides a new vision for K-12 science education. It builds upon our best consensus accounts of how students learn science and identifies a coherent set of disciplinary practices of science and engineering, cross-cutting concepts, and disciplinary knowledge that should be at the core of a K-12 science education for all students. In a follow-on process managed by Achieve, 26 states are currently leading the development of the Next Gen Science Standards (NGSS) based on the vision laid out in the Framework. This new set of educational standards will undergo multiple reviews, including two public drafts, before being finalized and released. The standards will be rich in knowledge and practices, arranged in a coherent manner across disciplines and developmentally across grades, to provide all students with an internationally benchmarked science education.
Here's How You Can Get Up To Speed
- STEP 1: Watch 3-minute Video on "What is the NRC Framework?"
Science Unscrambled: A Framework for K-12 Science Education - STEP 2: Download a Free PDF of the NRC Framework for K-12 Science Education (or Purchase a Hardcopy)
http://tinyurl.com/ScienceFramework - STEP 3: Download NRC Report Brief summarizing the Framework -- which is perfect for sharing with others who need a high-level overview of the vision
http://tinyurl.com/ScienceBrief - STEP 4: View a "Deep Dive" Webinar on the NRC Framework for K-12 Science Education -- which provides an overview of the major elements of the new vision
Heidi Schweingruber and Philip Bell Webinar on the Framework - STEP 5: View a Webinar Overview of the Next Gen Science Standards:
Stephen Pruitt on the Next Generation Science Standards
Here's What You Can Do To Sink In & Get Involved
- STEP 1: Track Ongoing Developments about Next Gen Science Standards (NGSS):
http://www.nextgenscience.org/
http://nas.edu/BOSE - STEP 2: Download the Reader's Guide to the Framework from NSTA -- which is a detailed overview of the Framework chapter by chapter
NSTA Reader's Guide to the Framework - STEP 3: Consider Setting Up a Study Group to Provide Feedback on the Draft Standards
NSTA Guide for Leading Study Groups
Here Are Some Other Relevant Resources
- View a Webinar Overview of the Next Gen Science Standards:
http://hub.mspnet.org/index.cfm/webinars/webinar_info?id=11 - Explore Additional Resources:
NSTA Resources on NGSS