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“We need your input!

On July 12th, the Board on Science Education at the National Research Council released a draft of a conceptual framework to guide the development of next generation standards for K-12 science education. The framework describes in broad terms the core ideas in science and engineering that students should understand and be able to apply, and the progression of ideas students need to experience in order to comprehend them. We are seeking comments on the draft from the science  and education communities and the public.

The comment period will run from July 12 through August 2. Individuals can read the draft online and submit comments via an online survey at www7.nationalacademies.org/bose/Standards_Framework_Homepage.html

During the public comment period, the National Research Council is also partnering with the National Science Teachers Association, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Achieve, and the Council of State Science Supervisors to solicit feedback through meetings and focus groups.

The framework will be revised based on the input received and a final version will be released in early 2011. The nonprofit education group Achieve will use the final framework in working with a group of state leaders to develop new K-12 science education standards, which explain what students should learn in detail.  The framework is also intended to be useful to others who work in science education -- curriculum designers and assessment developers, state and district science administrators, and teacher educators.
We hope that you will take the time to give us feedback. Your input will provide the committee with important information about where the framework needs to be improved or clarified.