Next Generation Science Standards Now Open for Public Comments

The first draft of the Next Generation Science Standards is now available for public review. The standards are based on A Framework for K–12 Science Education, issued by the National Research Council in the summer of 2011, which defines the major practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas that all students should be familiar with by the time they finish high school. A Framework for K–12 Science Education offers a new vision for K–12 education in science and engineering, and represents a significant shift in how these subjects are viewed and taught. In a process managed by Achieve, 26 states led the development of the Next Generation Science Standards.

AGU is offering two methods for members to provide feedback on the draft standards:

1)      Submit a review as an individual through the public review process. To review the draft standards, go to www.nextgenscience.org. When you are ready to provide comments, click on any of the links that say “Go to the NGSS Survey.” Be sure to submit your survey by June 1.

2)      Submit a review as a member of AGU. AGU has been designated as a Critical Stakeholder in the review process. AGU Education staff will be compiling and submitting a review based on feedback provided by AGU members. Please email feedback you would like included in AGU’s Critical Stakeholder review of the draft Next Generation Science Standards to pasher@agu.org or bhadamec@agu.org. Members who submit feedback through AGU’s Critical Stakeholder review may also submit feedback as an individual through the public review.

Both options are available until June 1, 2012.

AGU appreciates the time its members take to consider and comment on critical issues in Earth and space science education, such as the development of these standards, and we hope that you will consider submitting feedback.