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Minnesota to Lead Effort to Write New Science Standards

The state of Minnesota will be among a group of states selected to lead an important effort to improve science education for all students.
by John Olson, MDE, posted on 8:47 PM, September 21, 2011
Minnesota is one of 20 states that will lead the development of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which will clearly define the content and practices students will need to learn from kindergarten through high school graduation. The NGSS process is being managed by Achieve an education reform non-profit organization.

The development of the Next Generation Science Standards is a two-step process. The first step was the building of a framework that identified the core ideas and practices in natural sciences and engineering that all students should be familiar with by the time they graduate. In July, the National Research Council released A Framework for K-12 Science Education, developed by a committee representing expertise in science, teaching and learning, curriculum, assessment and education policy.

The second step is the development of science standards based on the Framework. As a Lead State Partner, Minnesota will guide the standard writing process, gather and deliver feedback from state-level committees and come together to address common issues and challenges. The Lead State Partners also agree to commit staff time to the initiative and, upon completion, give serious consideration to adopting the Next Generation Science Standards. 

For more information, visit the Next Generation Science Standards website at www.nextgenscience.org.