California Department of Education wants public views of new science curriculum

Three public meetings will be held throughout California in April and May to accept public comment on the latest draft of the California Department of Education's Next Generation Science Standards. Educational standards describe what students should know and be able to do in each subject in each grade.

The updated standards reflect the major advances in science over the past 15 years and aim to help students achieve the practical skills they need to succeed outside the classroom, maintaining California’s economic and technology leadership in the world. A consortium of 26 states developed the standards.

A review of the standards by a panel of science experts is under way. Later this spring, the panel will review the public comments. In the summer, the State Board of Education is expected to receive feedback from the panel and public meetings. Then in the fall, the State Board is expected to consider adoption of the new standards.

View the latest draft of the science standards at the Next Generation Science Standards website. The public may also submit comments by Webinar at the second public meeting listed below; by email to NGSS@cde.ca.gov; by mail to 1430 N Street, Room 4309, Sacramento, CA, 95814-5901; or by fax to 916-323-2833. If special accommodations are needed, contact the person listed for each meeting. If any member of the public has further questions about the meetings, contact Karen Martin at the California Department of Education’s science standards office at 916-323-5847.