Instructional Materials and Implementation of Next Generation Science Standards: Demand, Supply, and Strategic Opportunities

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are in demand, but the supply of high quality K-12 instructional materials in science is lacking. This disconnect comes at a critical time in the implementation of new science standards, which are now influencing the teaching and learning of more than 50 percent of the students in American schools.  As of spring 2017, 18 states plus the District of Columbia have adopted the NGSS, and 16 states have adapted their state science standards based on the Framework for K-12 Science Education and the NGSS. As part of Carnegie Corporation of New York's Education Program, we have observed the growing need to improve the supply and demand for high quality K-12 instructional materials and professional learning designed for the NGSS. To inform the grantmaking in our Leadership and Teaching to Advance Learning portfolio, the Corporation recently held a convening of science curriculum developers, experts in professional learning, state and district science leaders, and other educators to discuss these challenges

An NSTA Position Statement: Science-Technology-Society: Science Education for the 1980s

Science and technology influence every aspect of our lives. They are central to our welfare as individuals and to the welfare of our society. All around us are examples of the importance of science and technology for production of food, shelter, clothing, medicines, transportation, and various sources of energy. There are an increasing number of science- and technology-related societal problems as well as increasing societal benefits. Science and technology are central to our personal and cultural welfare and to many societal problems. We must insure appropriate science education for all citizens

Boosting science learning through the design of curriculum materials

How can curricula enhance science teaching and student learning? A slightly deeper and more specific question than that is: what is the form and function of effective curriculum materials? These questions will be addressed in the following discussion. After a brief introduction to BSCS (Biological Sciences Curriculum Study), I will first discuss what we know about how students learn science and introduce an instructional model based on this research from the cognitive sciences. I will then review the curriculum development process at BSCS and describe a contemporary high school program and evidence of student learning attributed to that program