Phase I -- Framework for K-12 Science Education (COMPLETED)
The Framework for K-12 Science Education, developed by the National Research Council, lays out a compelling vision for the future of science education grounded in the most current research on science and science learning. It focuses on a limited number of core ideas in science and engineering all K–12 students to allow sufficient time for teachers and students to explore each idea in depth.
Phase II -- Next Generation Science Standards (Completed AND Adopted)
Kansas is a lead state for the development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
A Kansas review team of representatives from K-12 science educators, professors of science and science education, and business and industry representatives has been actively collaborating with similar teams from the 25 other lead states to develop the NGSS using the guidance of the Framework.
Phase III -- Curriculum, Lesson Plans, and Assessment
As a lead state for the development of NGSS, the Kansas State Board of Education has agreed to give NGSS serious consideration to adopt as the new Kansas science standards. If the Board votes to adopt these standards, as with any standards revision, work will begin to update curricula, lesson plans, and assessments to realize the vision set forth in the Framework.