Current Topics

1. Current Topics In New York State Science Education

2. The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. ~ Alan Watts

3. The words that will become our new reality • Common Core • Framework • Next Generation Science Standards

4. Common Core • NYS pre K – 12 Common Core Learning Standards • Adopted January 2011 by Board of Regents • Began as a national initiative, adopted by states • Includes Standards for BOTH English Language Arts (ELA) and Math • Developed through the Nat’l Governors Association and Council of Chief State School Officers, in partnership with ACT, College Board and Achieve – a non-profit, bi-partisan educational think tank

5. Common Core, cont’d • Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects, K-5 • Includes embedded standards for science (and other subjects) content area reading and writing • Reading Standards for Informational Text K-5 • Writing Standards K-5 • Much greater emphasis on Informational Text • 50% Literature and 50% Non-fiction (expository) text is a major shift for elementary classrooms

6. Common Core cont’d • Includes a section in the ELA component called Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects 6 – 12 • Includes College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Reading and Writing • Specific literacy standards are required for science, social studies, etc. courses

7. Common Core cont’d • Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects 6 – 12 is divided into: • Grade Level bands: Grades 6 – 8, Grades 9 – 10, and Grades 11 – 12 • Standards that have to do with reading content-specific text, such as articles, procedures, non-fiction descriptions, etc. • Explicit behaviors of students who are literate readers in science

8. Common Core cont’d • Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects 6 – 12 is divided into: • Grade Level bands: Grades 6 – 8, Grades 9 – 10, and Grades 11 – 12 • Standards that have to do with writing that is content-specific, is based on making a claim and providing evidence to support the claim, requires research and drawing conclusions from multiple sources

9. Common Core Web Resources • Lots of resources for implementing the Common Core (including videos and sample lessons): • http://engageny.org/ • NYS website to download the standards: • http://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/common_core_standards/home.html • Website for national overview: • http://www.corestandards.org

10. In short… • The Common Core is intended to help our students be LITERATE in our content area.

11. Framework for K-12 Science Education • Developed by National Resource Council • Intended for use throughout the US • Described as “Getting the Science Right” – took input from various scientists and other stakeholders to describe a body of content that students should know in science • Was reviewed during Summer 2010 • Released as free pdf, July 2011

12. Framework, cont’d • The Framework is the guiding document for the Next Generation Science Standards • The Framework is 283 pages long and is available for free download or as a text to purchase • http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=13165

15. Next Generation Science Standards • “Next Generation Science Standards for Today’s Students and Tomorrow’s Workforce:  Through a collaborative, state-led process, new K–12 science standards are being developed that will be rich in content and practice, arranged in a coherent manner across disciplines and grades to provide all students an internationally benchmarked science education. The NGSS will be based on the Framework for K–12 Science Education developed by the National Research Council.”

16. Next Generation Science Standards, cont’d • National document developed collaboratively with the states • K – 12 content standards • Based on the “Framework” (released 7/2011) • NYS will review this document with help from Science Leadership Teams (confidentiality agreement regarding contents of document) • STANYS leadership is participating in the confidential reviews as part of Leadership Teams

17. Next Generation Science Standards, cont’d • PUBLIC review of Next Generation Science Standards scheduled for January/February 2012. • STANYS will notify members via email, STANYS website and list serves regarding the opportunity to provide feedback • NYS will decide whether to adopt the NGSS after it has been finished • NYS is heavily invested in the development of the NGSS

18. Next Generation Science Standards, cont’d • Also developed under auspices of “Achieve” • Same non-profit, think tank as Common Core • Anticipated release for adoption: • By December 2012 • More information on website: • http://www.nextgenscience.org/

19. STANYS • Science Teachers Association of NYS • Involved in the process in partnership with New York State Education Department • Staying current for our members • Annual Conference 2012 to address the changing situation • http://www.stanys.org

20. Elementary Science Program • Staying on top of all changes to ELA, Math, and Science at national and state level • Adapting and aligning science units so that they are in sync with new Standards • Participating in state and national reviews • Here for YOU! • (800) 832-8011 or (585) 352-1140 • http://www.espsciencetime.org

21. Let us know how we can help! • Kathy Arminio, ESP Director • Mary Thomas, ESP Assistant Director • Antonietta Quinn, ESP Resource Teacher • Nancy Shellenberger, ESP Resource Teacher • Contact: mthomas@monroe2boces.org