NGSS for Parents

Science Education Today

Science is central to how we understand and make sense of the world around us. The explosion of digital technology, breakthroughs in understanding DNA, and improvements in our knowledge of the environment are just a few examples of how science has changed the way we live. Students who do not go into a science field still benefit from expanded knowledge of the world and from the skills of approaching problems in a logical way.

All of our students deserve a strong science education, learning the most current science concepts taught by the most effective methods. Effective science courses prepare students for productive futures, no matter what their educational and career path will be.

California’s new state standards for science, called the California Next Generation Science Standards (CA-NGSS), do just that.

What Is the Timeline?

California’s Next Generation Science Standards were adopted by the State Board of Education in fall 2013. The state timeline allows for a gradual transition, with schools expected to be fully-transitioned to teaching based on the CA-NGSS for the 2018-19 school year. Between now and then, the California Department of Education (CDE) will be releasing new guidance to aid educators in developing curriculum and selecting instructional materials.

What Can I Do to Support High-Quality Implementation at My School?

Implementing new standards takes time—especially to do it right. Patience and persistence will be required. Talk to your school and district leaders to find out what the district’s plans are for implementation. See if the district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) puts resources toward implementation of the new science standards. You can discuss with your student’s teacher how they plan to implement the CA-NGSS in the classroom. Take a look at the standards by visiting the science curriculum section of the CDE website and explore some of the introductory videos available online. You can find links to more introductory information at www.CA4NGSS.org.

Prepared for CA4NGSS by the California State PTA, CDE Foundation, CSTA, and Children Now. Content represents coalition member input but does not reflect each member organization's formal endorsement. Visit CA4NGSS.org for more information.

For more information about NGSS, click here.

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