Source: Image of NGSS Logo, Fair Use, http://nextgenscience.org/
In this tutorial, we'll take a closer look at the Next Generation Science Standards. We'll begin with an overview of the history of these standards, and then we'll discuss some considerations that you may wish to keep in mind as you study and perhaps even implement these standards. Let's get started.
The Next Generation Science Standards are a product of a collaboration between the National Research Council, the National Science Teachers Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Achieve. Achieve is an independent, nonprofit organization whose work focuses on educational reform and college and career readiness. Achieve was founded in 1996 by a group of governors and business leaders. The goal was to improve college and career readiness among students and to increase graduation rates. Achieve was a key player in working with 48 states, The Council of Chief State Officers, and the National Governors Association in the creation of the Common Core Standards. So it's not surprising to learn that Achieve was also integral in the process of developing the Next Generation Science Standards.
The first step in the development of these standards was the creation of a document entitled Framework for K-12 Science Education. This document, created by the National Academy of Sciences, outlines what science students should know in grades K through 12. This document was based on the most current research on both science and science learning.
Next, Achieve worked with 26 different states to develop the K through 12 science standards. These standards include both content standards and practice standards that span science disciplines and all grade levels. The Next Generation Science Standards are based on the framework for K-12 science education document. The final version of the Standards was published in 2013.
Here are some facts about the Next Generation Science Standards to keep in mind. First, though 26 different states were involved in the process of creating the Next Generation Science Standards, these standards have not been adopted by the majority of states yet. Many current, off-the-shelf science resources claim that they are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards. If you have any question about whether any materials, lessons, or units are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards, you can use the EQuIP rubric available online to evaluate the level of alignment.
Also interestingly, the Next Generation Science Standards are written as performance standards, which is different from the Common Core State Standards. There are two different options for ways in which you can approach the Next Generation Science Standards. To check out the topical approach you can visit nextgenscience.org/search-standards. To view the Disciplinary Core Idea or DCI approach, visit nextgenscience.org/search-standards-dci.
In this tutorial, we learned about the history of the Next Generation Science Standards, and we shared some considerations that you can keep in mind as you study and perhaps even implement these standards. So here's a chance for you to stop and reflect. Is your state one of the 26 that were involved in the creation of the Next Generation Science Standards? Has your state adopted these standards?
To dive a little deeper and learn how to apply this information, be sure to check out the Additional Resources section associated with this video. This is where you'll find links targeted toward helping you discover more ways to apply this course material. Thanks for watching. Have a great day.
(00:00 - 00:17) Introduction
(00:18 - 01:53) History
(01:54 - 03:02) Considerations
(03:03 - 03:13) Review
(03:14 - 03:43) Stop and Reflect
The Next Generation Science Standards
The NGSS site is a comprehensive website that includes the NGSS standards, resources for teachers, and embedded professional learning videos and resources. It is important to note that when searching the standards, you can search by Topic or by Disciplinary Core Idea (DCI). Most school districts make a collective decision on which method to use when incorporating the standards into their curriculum and instruction. This link provides you access to both the Topic view and the DCI view.
http://www.nextgenscience.org/next-generation-science-standards
How to Read the Next Generation Science Standards
The NGSS are challenging to read at first. Their structure is different than most standards that teachers work with on a regular basis. In an effort to help teachers understand how to read the standards, NGSS has developed this useful how-to video.
http://www.nextgenscience.org/how-to-read-the-standards
EQuIP Rubric for Lessons & Units: Science
There are currently many resources available with a NGSS sticker attached, yet very few of these resources are actually aligned. As an educator it can be difficult to know if a resource is aligned. The EQuIP rubric provides an easy to use rubric for educators when selecting and developing resources and lessons aligned to the NGSS. Below is a link to the rubric as well as a how-to video on using the rubric.
http://www.nextgenscience.org/sites/ngss/files/EQuIP%20Rubric%20for%20Science%20v2.pdf
Video: http://www.achieve.org/EQuIP (Scroll to the center of page and click on the tab labeled "EQuIP Training Materials.")