The shift in the revised standards focuses on three themes:
Relevance: Organized around core explanatory ideas that explain the world around us
Rigor: Central role for science and engineering practices with concepts
Coherence: ideas and practices build across time and between disciplines
In addition there is a shift in curriculum and instruction related to the standards. The goal of teaching shifts from facts and concepts to explaining phenomena. Inquiry- and design-based learning is not a separate activity; all STE learning should involve engaging in practices to build and use knowledge. The standards involve building a coherent storyline across time.
The public is being welcome to provide feedback on the standards during the next month. It is anticipated that the standards will be voted on for adoption in January. To view the standards please visit, STEM review DESE.
The graphic below llustrates the multi-year process to revise, gather public feedback and adopt the new science curriculum standards.
1. Asking questions and defining problems
2. Developing and using models
3. Planning and carrying out investigations
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
5. Using mathematics and computational thinking
6. Constructing explanations and designing solutions
7. Engaging in argument from evidence
8. Obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information
If you would like to comment or have questions on the standards, please send them to the following:
[email protected]