 Photo Credit: Department of Education
Hawaii State BOE approves Science for the Next Generation
News Release from Hawaii DoE, 19-Feb-2016
The Hawaii State Board of Education (BOE) earlier this week, approved the adoption of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which brings a more engaging and enjoyable approach to learning science.
The Hawaii State Board of Education (BOE) earlier this week, approved the adoption of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which brings a more engaging and enjoyable approach to learning science. The new standards are interwoven across disciplines, including connections to language arts and mathematics. They set the following student performance expectations:
- Disciplinary Core Ideas (science specific concepts in the life, earth, engineering and physical sciences),
- Science and Engineering Practices (the practices of engaging in scientific investigation to answer questions, and engineering design to solve problems),
- Crosscutting Concepts (conceptual ideas common to all areas of science).
NGSS replaces the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards III for Science.
The Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) now starts a four-year implementation plan, which will be presented at an upcoming BOE meeting.
"Unlike previous content standards the NGSS is aimed to excite young people about science and engineering," said Suzanne Mulcahy, assistant superintendent of the office of curriculum, instruction and student support. "The NGSS aligns with our strategic approach to preparing students for life because it effectively connects scientific concepts to careers."
HIDOE is targeting full implementation of NGSS in school year (SY) 2018-2019 for secondary schools and SY 2019-2020 for elementary schools. HIDOE is moving forward to develop resources, supports, and assessments with teacher input, and collaboration with local education partners including Hawaii P-20, University of Hawaii, regional National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA; as well as national educational organizations including the Council of Chief State School Officers, National Science Teachers Association and Council for State Science Supervisors.
For more information about NGSS visit http://ngss.nsta.org/.
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