NGSS - Next Generation Science Standards

The new set of science standards also stresses process over product. By stressing scientific thinking, investigation of evidence, and synthesis of conclusions, NGSS moves students away from rote memorization of facts and towards producing more scientifically-minded students. Each standard is made up of several Performance Expectations. These expectations require students to utilize critical thinking and problem solving to demonstrate their understanding of key science concepts. Whether your student will enter a STEM career or not, these skills are essential to their success.

How can you help your student?

Become familiar with the Performance Expectations and the 3 NGSS pillars - Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts

Help students make broader connections to science and engineering in their everyday lives

Visit http://www.nsta.org/docs/NGSSParentGuide.pdf or http://www.nextgenscience.org for additional information and resources

Growth Mindset

This year in your son or daughter’s science class there will be two noticeable and significant changes. The first is a transition, by all teachers at Bret Harte, towards a Growth-Mindset. Additionally, in science classrooms, the transition to a new, more appropriate set of science standards (NGSS) is happening across the nation. Your understanding of these ideas will assist us, as well as your students, as we make these transitions.

I can’t vs. I can’t YET

Growth mindset is the idea that all skills take time to develop. Remember back to when your young ones were learning to walk. They struggled, teetered and likely fell over multiple times. It was through this process, mostly failure, that they learned to walk. This is part of all learning. Many students today fear failure, something we have inadvertently trained them to do. However any breakthrough in our human history has been preceded by many, many failures. Growth mindset teaches that in order to grow, you must challenge yourself, and if you are truly challenging yourself, you cannot simply ‘get it right’ the first time. We hope that by buying into this idea, your child will become a more resilient, better prepared student and young adult. It focuses much more on process and perseverance than simply on outcome.

How can you help your student?

Remind them of the “yet”

Praise effort and strategy rather than intelligence

Set small, achievable goals to encourage consistent student progress

Focus on the value and process of learning

Emphasize intellectual growth over grades