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EdTech News
Home›EdTech News›Next Generation Science Standards are Smart

Next Generation Science Standards are Smart

By Matthew Lynch
June 12, 2016
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Earlier this month California became the seventh state to adopt a new brand set of K-12 science outlines, dubbed Next Generation Science Standards, or NGSS. The “real world” approach to science mastery focuses on engineering, problem solving, modeling, and cause and effect experiments. Other states that are on-board with the science outlines are Maryland, Nevada, Kentucky, Kansas, Rhode Island and Vermont. The term “science standards” sounds like a positive one as far as learning is concerned, but do schools need really need another tier of learning accountability – and will students really benefi

What are Next Generation Science Standards?

Over the past year and a half, NGSS have been developed by education experts in several states. They are not an official part of the new Common Core standards but are meant to layer on top of the standards in place for stronger science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outcomes. These standards are intended to teach the overlapping nature of science subjects, rather than to present lessons in topic isolation. In states like California, the value of a strong STEM foundation is critical to individual and state success. Over the past decade, STEM jobs have grown at a rate three times faster than other industries. By equipping K-12 students with better STEM knowledge, the long-term economic outlook will improve.

Why are NGSS controversial?

A report from the Thomas B. Fordham Institute reveals a flaw in the enthusiasm for NGSS. The Common Core math standards and NGSS outlines do not align. The authors of the math review from the Institute say that while there are many strengths on the math side, there are also “a distressing number of weaknesses.” These include science expectations that have math components that are not grade-appropriate, according to an Education Week post by Erik Robelen,

Other critics believe the standards are actually subpar when compared to current state standards. There is also concern that implementing a one-size-fits-all approach to science neglects individual learning initiatives and also regional needs when it comes to science education. Some critics also believe there is a lack of computer learning in the standards which is a disservice to students with how rapidly science technology is changing.

The verdict?

Applying any cookie-cutter standards to any K-12 topic certainly comes with its share of potential problems, as NGSS critics have pointed out. Still, shining the focus on real world STEM learning in real-world settings is necessary to fully equip the present and future workforce. American students also need the extra focus in areas of math and science where they fall behind their peers in other developed nations.

Science, math and engineering topics are also less likely to be discovered by students, in the way that many find a love for reading or music, without some guidance from educators. Let’s face it – science and math are less romantic than other topics and so the “aha” factor takes some navigation. Once students have experienced a science spark of interest, they are more likely to maintain it, particularly if they can see the real-world ramifications.

Like other curriculum standards, NGSS need some tweaking to best impact K-12 learners. The foundation is there though and that is a step in the right STEM direction. The NGSS are a building block of a much larger cultural shift that needs to happen where science and math are concerned. Empowering students with better conceptualization of science in everyday living is necessary for career success and progression as a nation.

Do you like the Next Generation Science Standards? Will students ultimately benefit from these areas of focus?

 

TagsEdtechedtechchatelearningSTEAMSTEM
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6 comments

  1. johanna 25 May, 2014 at 21:56 Reply

    “Real world” anything makes sense to me! When it comes to learning, for most kids, hands-on is best. It appears to me that the Next Generation Science Standards do just that. I’m certain it would just take a little tweaking to align it more with common core math; however, I’ve seen a lot more criticism of the common core math than anything else. May common core math needs to change or just go away.

  2. LiberalEd 9 September, 2014 at 15:22 Reply

    YES! Higher standards in science are needed and welcomed. Too many times I hear parents say “well, I did it this way and not that way,” but that generation of parents also trails the rest of the developed world in science achievement.

  3. sarahrose00 9 September, 2014 at 16:03 Reply

    While I want my kids to succeed, I feel like the standards just keep getting higher and higher and the students are being left behind. It makes me worried for my little ones.

  4. edmom5 10 September, 2014 at 05:59 Reply

    I’m so tired of hearing about increased STEM initiatives. What about English? And basic reading and writing? I fear that all of these other pushes will make those things obsolete.

  5. Next Generation Science Standards are Smart | N... 11 September, 2014 at 20:06 Reply

    […] Earlier this month California became the seventh state to adopt a new brand set of K-12 science outlines, dubbed Next Generation Science Standards, or NGSS. The “real world” approach to scienc…  […]

  6. Next Generation Science Standards are Smart | M... 7 September, 2015 at 03:42 Reply

    […] Earlier this month California became the seventh state to adopt a new brand set of K-12 science outlines, dubbed Next Generation Science Standards, or NGSS. The “real world” approach to science ma…  […]

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